Coach's Game Ball: Owens a 'killer' on the court

Photo courtesy of wssurams.com
Senior outside hitter Olivia Owens led
WSSU with 296 kills in 2014.

Winston-Salem State volleyball player Olivia Owens is this issue’s recipient of the Coach’s Game Ball.

Third-year head coach Andi Henderson said Owens, a 6-foot-3-inch right-outside hitter, is a veteran player, and she’s consistent.

"She’s never up one day and then down the next," Henderson said.

"She’s really consistent for us and is a leader on and off the floor."

Last season, Owens, a senior early childhood development major from Abbeville, S.C., led WSSU with 296 kills and the CIAA in blocks with 86, showing she is just as good defensively as she is offensively.

Owens has also been named CIAA All-Tournament and earned All-CIAA honors two years in a row. Owens was one of just two WSSU players to play in every match last season, and Henderson will rely on her again this season.

Argus: When did you decide that you wanted to take volleyball to the next level?

Owens: Before my senior year of high school, I knew that I wanted to play at the collegiate level, so I knew I had to do what it takes to get here.

Argus: What songs are on your playlist as you are warming up?

Owens: I like to listen to Christian rapper LeCrae and pretty much just anything that will get me hype.

Argus: Tell me about an accomplishment that you hope to achieve this season.

Owens: To have a winning season and hopefully win the CIAA championship. Right now, we’re on a five-game winning streak [as of Sept. 28], and we’ve got to build on that. I’d also like to get Player of the Year this year and continue to be on the CIAA first team.

Argus: What can you improve on to make yourself a better volleyball player and teammate?

Owens: I would say I could improve on my communication. Sometimes I could try harder to keep my teammates motivated and communicate with them.

Argus: Is it hard juggling your schoolwork and volleyball?

Owens: Yes. I’m taking 18 credit hours this semester, and volleyball is very demanding, so it does get very hard at times.

Argus: What are your plans for after graduation?

Owens: I want to teach kindergarten and eventually open up my own daycare. I really like working with kids, and I’m looking forward to being able to do that.