Something as simple as learning how to keep a healthy lifestyle, or something as large as taking a high school volleyball team to state, is what can come from Northern Kentucky University volleyball. Taking the love of the sport to influence other women or taking the learned dedication to create ambition in the workplace is how multiple players have grown from this organization.
Lauren Hurley (2015 Red Shirt Senior, Defensive Specialist/Libero)
With a total of 562 digs throughout her career, Lauren Hurley dominated the NKU volleyball court during her time in college. Her freshman year was a red-shirt year as she grew stronger with the team. A red-shirt player is someone who gets to train with the team their first year, while not playing, and then is promised four more years after. Hurley went on to play her last three years as a strong asset to the team.
Hurley’s volleyball career ended when she graduated in 2016, but her success only grew from there. She went on to graduate from Chase College of Law on NKU’s campus and then moved to Columbus, Ohio to pursue her professional dreams as an in-house legal counsel for a retailer.
Hurley keeps volleyball in her life even as a busy, successful woman by playing in sand leagues, but it has also taught her a healthy and flourishing mindset. “I’m grateful for the experience and knowledge NKU volleyball gave me because I can now appreciate what strength training does for my physical and mental longevity,” Hurley said.
Elizabeth Hart (2008 Middle Hitter)
Different from Hurley, alum player Elizabeth Hart keeps NKU volleyball in her life as a career. Not only has Hart helped bring her team to a NCAA Division II Tournament Championship, but she has also led many young women to success as NKU’s head coach. Hart accomplished much during her time as a player at NKU, such as receiving the Margery Rouse Athlete of Distinction Award and the GLVC’s 2007-08 Woman of the Year, but her new passion is to oversee the court.
“I can understand how they feel in certain moments. I tell them to be where their feet are, meaning if they are in the weight room be the best you can be there, in the classroom be focused on your academics, and off the court enjoy the time with your family and friends,” Hart stated.
Hart brings her past personal experiences as a player to the court now as a coach to mentor young women. This has set the volleyball team up to achieve goals year after year. Hart feels the need to continue to give back to NKU volleyball, since it gave her so much.
Jenna Schreiver (2012 Setter)
Jenna Schreiver brought the NKU volleyball methodology to the community and did not disappoint. Schreiver was a triumphant setter for NKU from 2009-2012. She had 1,309 assists just in 2011 and totaled 3,770 assists by the end of her college career.
She did not stop there, however, and was hired on to Notre Dame Academy’s volleyball staff as varsity associate head coach. She helped the high school team win the state championship in 2022 and previously in 2020.
“I love the game and I cannot seem to stay away from it! I learned a lot about game play and game strategy from my coaches at NKU, and I love to teach my high school players the game,” Schreiver stated.
NKU volleyball leaves a print
All three of these women continue to flourish because of their prior association with NKU volleyball, but what they all can agree on is that the people keep them excited about it. From past teammates and coaches to the newest freshman on the team, the people keep a smile on their faces when talking about NKU volleyball.
Schreiver stated, “I had three previous teammates as bridesmaids in my wedding.”
Hurley stated, “I’ve been a part of a lot of their weddings, and celebrated new homes, babies, and new jobs with them.”
And Hart stated, “I love watching our players grow as people during their time here.”
The community and relationships keep growing year after year, not only through the connection of a setter to a hitter, but from the passion throughout their lives.