Highlights from the week that was around the JMU campus and its volleyball team:
* On Monday, the AVCA Top 25 and the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) were released. The Dukes moved up from 25th to 22nd in the former and were sitting at 34th in the latter, both decent marks at this point of the season and in line with securing an at-large bid to the NCAAs if needed.
* Tuesday after practice, Lauren, Michael, Charlie, Sarah, and Caroline met to talk about the AVCA Convention and the players' interest in attending as well as participating in the on-court session the coaching staff would be leading titled "Planning and Facilitating a Week of Practice Drills". Both players seemed a little unsure as they really wanted to spend as much time at home as possible following exams and the convention would take place immediately after Fall semester ended.
Sarah: Be a chance for me to learn more of the behind-the-scenes of tournament management that could prove helpful when I return to JMU in January. Besides, I'm guessing it will be fun. We lead the one session and have the rest of the time pretty much on our own, right, Coach?
Lauren: I'd say so, that is if we're not PLAYING in Columbus that weekend.
Caroline: I really want to get back to Raleigh as soon after Finals as possible and take advantage of the five weeks off.
Lauren: Personally, I think going would be a good learning experience for you, Caroline, as you perhaps get a chance to network with and/or shadow some of the NCAA's marketing people and connect with corporate sponsors.
Caroline: True....then there's my friend on UW (Jade Demps) and her mom (Keisha), who used to be my club coach in Raleigh, possibly being there as well. I'm in.
Lauren: I'm still hoping to have a third player allowed on the trip, which will allow me to room Caroline and her together and you rooming with me, Sarah.
* The team picked up wins on Wednesday and Friday nights, sweeping Radford (25-14, 25-9, 25-18) and Northeastern (25-17, 25-15, 25-16), to head into their Sunday matinee against Hofstra at 20-1 overall, 7-0 in the CAA.
***
October 16, 2021
Already fretting about her date with Marc this evening, Sarah went through her closet again and again, trying to find something that would be the perfect balance of charming and flirty. Normally, she would go down the hall and get Savannah or hit up FaceTime and ask her sister for some advice, but she didn't want to be answering their questions as to why she was getting dressed-up. Flummoxed, she checked in with her goalkeeping coach at Vanderbilt, Kelly Keelan.
Kelly: Girlfriend! I haven't heard from or seen you in, like, forever. How are you doing?
Sarah: Quite well. I'm now at James Madison working on my MA in Sport Management and playing for the volleyball team.
Kelly: So taking time away from soccer, then?
Sarah: Wasn't in the right frame of mind to continue playing at the current time after the hysteria following my kicking for the football team.
Kelly: You liking it?
Sarah: SUCH a different vibe than Nashville's party-all-the-time one. I'm calling to get a bit of fashion advice. I have a date tonight with my new boyfriend and I want to make sure he'll drool a little.
Kelly: Hold on! Boyfriend?! When did THAT happen? HOW did that happen? Last I knew, you were cruising along as every guy's favorite gal pal.
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Under The Radar: A Redshirt Diary
FanfictionSarah Fuller was a goalkeeper on the Vanderbilt University women's soccer team, but is best-known for being the first woman to play in and score in a Power Five Football Bowl Subdivision game. Having finished her degree with two years of eligibility...
