With a season underway, Salem College’s beach volleyball players are embracing both the opportunity and competition that comes with it. This article highlights three standout athletes at different experience levels, offering insight into their season goals and the impact of beach volleyball on their college journeys.
The first spectacular athlete featured is McKenzie Tullock, a senior double-majoring in English and Writing Studies with a concentration in Professional Writing and Communication and Media Studies. She has been a dedicated player on the indoor volleyball team for the past four years and joined the beach volleyball team last year, playing positions as a defensive specialist and libero. When asked about the season, Tullock’s demeanor expressed excitement and anticipation. After her indoor volleyball season was cut short due to an extensive injury, Tullock is eager for what she considers to be her final “actual” senior season. The senior player then acknowledges that many of Salem College’s opponents have long-established beach volleyball programs, so the team has been particularly focused on “partnership and on-court connection while making important shots.” In the end, Tullock is especially excited to face these challenging teams, noting that they will push the team “in both good and bad ways” while still having fun on the beach.
The second awe-inspiring athlete is Jolina Bun, a junior majoring in Biology. This is her second year on Salem College’s beach volleyball team and her third year on the indoor team, so she is familiar with the feeling of the sand under her feet. Bun states she loves how the season is unfolding, describing it as “a way to ease off stress” while also “setting the standard for her lower classmen.” When asked to reflect on her previous season, she admits that she felt pressured to perform well and exceed expectations. This time around, the veteran has one goal: to have fun. “I realize that when I have more fun, I honestly play better. Coming into the season, I was thinking, ‘As long as I have fun and enjoy my time out there, I will do well.’” She concludes the interview by expressing excitement for tough competition, stating that it will be a “great time” for the team to “connect and grow on and off the court.”
The final stunning student-athlete is Katelynn Miller, a freshman who is majoring in Exercise Science with intentions of minoring in Nutrition. This is her first year playing beach volleyball, though she also plays for Salem College’s indoor volleyball team. Miller has described the season thus far as fun and full of awe-filled moments as she adjusts to the differences between beach volleyball and indoor volleyball. For example, learning that open-hand tipping is not allowed on the sand was difficult to adjust to in the beginning, as that is “one of the main things” she does in indoor volleyball. Miller then emphasized that communication remains “one of the biggest parts of volleyball,” noting, “Making sure you are telling your partner where you are, where the ball is, and where to put it proves to be crucial.” When asked to think ahead, the freshman is ecstatic to see her potential for growth on the court, which she believes will also benefit her indoor game, and is simply eager to step onto the sand every day.
These three athletes are just a small part of the beach volleyball team and an even smaller portion of the entire student-athlete body. Therefore, stay tuned to find out more about upcoming games and matches by following Salem College’s athletic department on Instagram @salemathletics. As always, Go Spirits!
