By Maggi Kimbrell Contributing Reporter
Samford’s volleyball team consists of 17 strong-minded and talented players who have started this season undefeated, winning all five thrilling games in which they have competed.
“When you have good people and a good culture, you have a good team,” said Coach Keylor Chan, who has been the head volleyball coach at Samford for eight years.
Chan added that the “aligning views” and “diverse backgrounds and cultures” each player brings make the team feel like a family.
This hardworking group of young women is like family to one another, according to Gracie Lynn Butler, a hitter on the team. The girls on the team spend a lot of time together on and off the court. Whether they live together, share classes, or simply see each other at practice, there are so many opportunities for these women to grow as a team.
The players realized soon after becoming a part of the team here at Samford how different college volleyball is from previous levels. Annabelle Straty, a defensive specialist sophomore on the team, said she not only brought her prior experience to share but also found that everyone else contributed a wealth of their own experience, knowledge, culture, and skills.
Brianna Hamilton, an outside hitter on the team, mentioned that the team’s natural chemistry helps build their bond, providing the comfort and understanding needed to hold one another accountable. Hamilton said, “We know that critique and correction come from a place of love and is not meant to hurt each other.”
When asked what the players are most looking forward to in the upcoming season and year, Straty responded in reference to the team’s upcoming trip saying, “Right now, just getting through this weekend and taking it one step at a time from there.”
The team heads to Waco, Texas this weekend where they will compete against LSU on Friday, Sept. 13, and Baylor Sunday, Sept. 15. Regardless of the final score, this team will always be considered victorious at Samford. Their collective effort and commitment to each other transcend the scoreboard, creating a legacy of resilience and teamwork that defines their success both on and off the court.
