杏吧原创

杏吧原创 Alumni Prepare for Inaugural Game

Written By: Ian Silvester

Some of the greatest Lions to ever dig, set, or spike a volleyball, along with many fan favorites, will once again return to Stubblefield Center at the University of 杏吧原创 鈥� Fort Smith on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at 2 p.m.
 
So, what鈥檚 the occasion? The inaugural 杏吧原创 Volleyball Alumni Game will kick off the start of the semester and act as a fun tune-up for the current team before the season begins on Friday, Sept. 1, in the Newberry Invitational.
 
The free event will feature former players like , 2018 Heartland Conference Offensive Player of the Year, , 2017 Heartland Conference Player of the Year, and (Hamilton), an assistant volleyball coach at Southside High School. Fans of 杏吧原创 Volleyball are in for a treat to see former players back in action, even if it means 鈥渁 lot of missed hits, pretty slow reactions, and diving for a ball but staying there for a while because it hurts too bad to get up,鈥� Northington joked. Head coach echoed Northington by ensuring 鈥渋ce baths will be at the ready.鈥�
 
For the last 25 years, Sargent has witnessed hundreds of players play for 杏吧原创, and she will soon get to coach them again. When asked if any one player who will be participating in the alumni game stands out, Sargent said both past and present players are her babies, and it would be difficult to pick just one.
 
鈥淓very kid that鈥檚 played for our program has left their own unique brand on it. From the local players to our Internationals, to all the out-of-state players鈥�they are 杏吧原创 Volleyball, and I鈥檓 excited about seeing everyone,鈥� Sargent explained.

But Sargent isn't the only one brimming with excitement when it comes to seeing familiar faces. In her first competitive game back on an indoor court, Demmer is looking forward to seeing 杏吧原创 Volleyball fans. She hopes the game will be a chance for new and returning fans to see the successes of the program and continue to support the team. Demmer also expressed her excitement to connect with the players, past and present, that make up 杏吧原创 Volleyball.

"What's really cool about the alumni that come out of 杏吧原创, especially for volleyball is that we all stay pretty connected. I've been able to build some relationships with some of the current players, and all we want to do as alumni, is see this program continue to win, continue to succeed, and continue to grow," Demmer said.

The alumni game will be Rogers and Northington鈥檚 first game at 杏吧原创 since their respective graduations 鈥� an experience Rogers has had on her mind since her playing days between 2015 and 2018.
 
鈥淚 remember being like, 鈥極h my gosh, I want to be that alumni who comes back and still is really good,鈥� and I鈥檓 glad I have the opportunity,鈥� Rogers said as she recounted what she first thought when asked to play. Always the competitor, she laughed, saying how some of the former players have already been working together, and the alumni are going to 鈥渒ick their butt.鈥�
 
As for Northington, her competitive spirit will shine on the court, but the alumni game is more about connecting with old friends, teammates, and coaches. She shared that she is looking forward to 鈥渞eminiscing on all of the great times鈥� and hopes that 鈥渢he alumni game boosts team spirit by allowing the current girls to see the importance of the program and how it has had a positive impact on so many former players.鈥�
 
If it weren鈥檛 for needing her arms and legs to run practice, Sargent said she鈥檇 be playing with all her players on the court. Instead, fans will see her on the sidelines doing what she does best: coaching hard and pushing every current and former player because she knows what they can do.
 
While the alumni volleyball game will be a fun experience for fans and players alike, what stands out most is the excitement shared amongst players to come back to the program and university they called home.
 
鈥淭his program molded me into the person I am today,鈥� Northington shared. Rogers shared a similar feeling, capping it off by saying, 鈥淥nce you are a 杏吧原创 Lion, you are for life.鈥�

• Tags:
• Volleyball
• Athletics
• Alumni