Conference assist leader credits team
Redshirt sophomore Sara Blasier, Rice University’s all-conference setter, has been playing volleyball for most of her life. Now midway into her second season on the team, Blasier is the Conference USA’s leading assister and has the fourth-most assists in the country.
Despite redshirting her first year, Blasier garnered recognition for her talent and leadership skills, earning accolades last season as a redshirt freshman. Blasier earned a spot at the Conference-USA Second Team and the C-USA All-Freshman Team, all while recording 10.3 assists per set as a setter.
According to Blasier, awards and accolades are appreciated but not necessary. Blasier also said she attributes the majority of her success to her teammates.
“It is nice to get noticed for doing a good job, but at the same time I don't really need it,” Blasier said. “I would credit most for my success to the passers on our team for getting me the ball and making my job as a setter a lot easier.”
Blasier said the most rewarding experience, however, was being given the team’s Most Improved Player award.
“I didn’t really expect [the award], but it shows that my teammates thought I grew a lot during the season, which is such a huge compliment to get since I value their opinions so much,” Blasier said.
According to Blasier, she and her teammates fostered a strong bond over the summer. Blasier said this was due, in part, to “The Program,” during which the team was trained by two Marine Officers.
“We became so close over the summer and especially bonded over The Program,” Blasier said. “It was great experience because we were dying, but dying together and pushing through it.”
According to Blasier, Head Coach Genny Volpe expects more from Blasier as a redshirt sophomore than she has in previous years.
“I think as a [redshirt] sophomore now, my coach definitely pushes me in practice and during games,” Blasier said. “She expects me to run things and be the main leader on the court.”
According to Blasier, varsity volleyball has had a positive impact on her undergraduate career.
“Volleyball has been a huge part of my life at Rice, and it allowed me to make so many great friends,” Blasier concluded. “To have a close bond with other girls is really awesome.”
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