This past weekend was a tough one for Cougar volleyball. Hosting the AMC tournament, we faced Point Park on Saturday morning. Their strong defense and ability to scramble proved to be hard for us to handle as we lost in four games. Our next competitive match will be in December as we will travel to Kissimmee, Florida for NCCAA nationals. So needless to say, the girls and I will buckle down and focus for practices in preparing to bring home an NCCAA championship. I just want to thank everyone for all their support through this season. I know everyone has busy lives, so to take time out of your schedule to come to our games means more to us than you will ever know.

Our next senior in line is Courtney Springer. She is a right side hitter from Van Wert, Ohio. She sports the #5 on her jersey. Courtney, from the moment she stepped onto campus, has been a huge part of our success in volleyball. She is a very powerful jumper, which enables her to be a menace from the blocking and hitting aspects of volleyball. However, Courtney’s ability does not stop there. Her defensive play is just as good as her ability to be a threat on the front line. In addition to her amazing athletic talent, I am more inspired by her strength and drive. Even though many of you haven’t noticed, Courtney has been battling a major back injury for the last year and a half. This year has not been easy for her at times, but I have heard her complain very little throughout all of it. Courtney is a fighter and you would have to be blind not to see that.

Off the floor, Courtney is so much fun to be around. She is very personable and you want to laugh every time she laughs. Busy is definitely a word well used in her vocabulary as she is not only playing volleyball and going to class, but she is also planning a wedding. Courtney is due to get married to her high school sweetheart, Briggs, this coming summer. How exciting! She also just got accepted to grad school at the University of Indianapolis where she will spend the next three years getting her doctorate in physical therapy. I am so happy for her, and, despite her injury in volleyball, I have never seen her happier. Courtney and I came to college four years ago together, and now we will step out together. Wherever we may be years from now, I will carry her friendship with me. She is truly an amazing person, and I wish her nothing but the best.