NGU Volleyball: Serving up a season preview
Kasie Thomas, Staff Writer
To say the Lady Crusaders volleyball team is prepared for this season is an understatement. Conference play is right around the corner, and the North Greenville ladies team is ready.
The team has taken on big name programs such as Wingate, USC-Aiken and Auburn during the preseason, and these matches have prepared them mentally and physically for the regular season. As Coach Greg Mosely goes into his 10th season of coaching volleyball, he has kept a positive mental state, and his players being in the greatest possible physical condition is a big emphasis for his team.
Mosely has big expectations for this upcoming season, remaining optimistic and believing in his team and their talents. He hopes this will be the year they “knock the doors down and win the conference championship.” As the teams progress throughout the season, Mosely’s goal is to continuously remind his girls that they have the capability of reaching high levels, while highlighting and encouraging everyone to join the “exciting, enthusiastic, and energetic volleyball environment that is truly unlike any other.”
With five seniors going into their final year and leading the NGU women’s volleyball team into the season, senior setter Eaden Shockley is filled with a mixture of emotions. Shockley is beginning her 4th year, so she has been through countless games, practices and morning workouts. On top of all of her emotions, she also looks forward to giving her body a break, still knowing she will “definitely miss the game and the bonds created” with her fellow teammates. Playing the past couple of years and watching the team dynamic change, Shockley explains how she can truly see the team going far this year, and with hopes of a conference championship, the team must “continue to play hard and give 100% each time on the court.” When asked the one thing she will miss after leaving NGU, she was unable to name just one. Shockley expresses how she will miss the “teammates who have been more like sisters” and also the countless hours spent practicing, singing, dancing, and eating with her team.
Looking up to these seniors is freshman Abby Pyke. As a starting freshman being on a new team, with new teammates, in a new state is a lot to take in. Coming from North Carolina, Pyke came onto campus excited to embrace the community and do her best and give it her all on the court, while soaking up and learning as much as she can. Understanding the management between time, practice and homework are just a few things that this freshman is learning to get adjusted to. With all the new things happening around Pyke, she remains focused on her favorite part being “the volleyball team!”
All-Conference 2nd team and NGU’s freshman of the year, Paige Beisecker’s first year was definitely memorable as well. Heading into her second season Beisecker wants to “be someone players can look up to” while also being “consistent on the court and getting better every practice and game.” Middle blocker Paige Beisecker is truly a player to keep an eye out for this season.
The NGU women’s volleyball team aspires to go farther and reach higher levels than previous years, and with hard work, high energy, and positivity at every corner, they are truly headed towards victory.
