Spring Break
Getting to know the volleyball team
Freshman finds ETSU to be like home, adjusts to sports and college life
Sarah Olivo
Issue date: 11/6/08 Section: Sports
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"On my visit, I was highly impressed with the program they have available here for my study of interest," McKayla said. It was a perfect fit for her intentions, she signed the papers and knew she would be heading to Johnson City.
So far McKayla has made the adjustment to college life and athletics well. "I do like ETSU so far. My hometown is similar to this size so I can definitely say this is my 'home away from home.' I only live six and a half hours away and my family used to come to Tennessee for vacations, so sometimes I just feel like I'm on vacation for a long time. The school itself is the right size for me, not too big of a school and not too small."
Athletics is a huge part of this freshman's everyday life.
Before college she played both basketball and volleyball at Columbus East High School. "In basketball, I did not earn a starting varsity position until my sophomore year. My team made a trip to state finals my junior year, and followed with a trip to semi-state my senior year. I was on the junior All-Star team my junior year, and finished my final season being named All-State," she said.
While Barber excelled in basketball, her major triumphs were on the volleyball court. "I was a starting middle for varsity and held that position all four years. I had a tough coach so unfortunately, I was the only senior in my class to stick with the program." A tough coach in high school probably prepared Barber for her collegiate coach, Lindsey Divine. "My high school coach is great, she taught me how to stay dedicated, focused, and how to become a better leader. I finished my senior year advancing to the regional championship, named first-team All-State, and also made the Indiana All-Star South team."
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