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COACH'S GAME BALL: Olivia Owens

By Matt Parmesano

On October 9, 2013

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Sophomore Olivia Owens (No.1, third from left) joins her team in a pregame huddle. Photo by Garrett Garms

Winston-Salem State Head Volleyball Coach Andi Henderson chose outside hitter Olivia Owens as the recipient of this issue's Game Ball.

Owens, a 6-foot-3-inch sophomore elementary education major from Abbeville, S.C., is the tallest player on the team, which helps her with hitting and blocking.

She leads the team with 49 blocks and ranks second with 79 kills and a 25.1 hitting percentage.

Coach Henderson said that Owens is quiet but that she still has a strong leadership presence on the court.

"She leads by example; just doing it. She's not really outspoken, so she's easily overlooked until you see her play."

Owens has been reliable all season long, and Coach

Henderson appreciates that about her.

"She has one of the highest hitting percentages among our outside hitters right now," she said.

"That show's that she's been consistent since we started. I expect her to keep raising her level of play and to continue being productive for us."

Q: When did you start playing volleyball and who got you started?

A: I started playing in the seventh grade. My gym coach encouraged me to play because I was tall and she liked my attitude in gym class. I was shy at first, but I decided to give it a try. I didn't start off the best, but I grew into it.

Q: Has the game gotten any easier for you?

A: The game has gotten very easy. Now that I'm a sophomore, I'm a lot more knowledgeable about the game than I was when I first came in; especially now that I'm comfortable with the transition from high school to college. I've also learned a lot from Coach Henderson since she's been here.

Q: What's your favorite part about playing volleyball?

A: I like blocking. I like defense and slamming the ball in the other team's face whenever they think they're about to get a good kill.

Q: Do you or your team have any pregame rituals?

A: Before every game, we pray and just kind of talk to each other. We meditate, just kind of relax and concentrate on the game.

Q: What are your plans after WSSU?

A: I plan on starting out teaching kindergarten children and one day opening my own learning center for kids.