What are they doing now? Randi Raff #9 USI volleyball Alumna

When Coach Reed asked me to write about my experience at USI, it took me a couple of days to even start.  How could I awaken the artistry of words it would require to articulate precisely how I felt about all those days I spent at USI?  So many hilarious things happened (is USI’s #14 is killing bees in the middle of a rally or is she clogging to ‘Devil Went Down to Georgia’?).  So many obstacles (Randi, seriously, dump him!).  There were so many tough practices (twice through anyone?) and classes (don’t think of missing one or there will be hell to pay….in the form of bike sprints) and homework (a Mountain Dew and a quiet library) but woven through all my experiences there was a common thread: the people. So today, somewhere between counting how many camp volleyballs we needed for the summer and organizing Dig For Life contacts it dawned on me that all I had to do was talk about two things: my passion for the game and the people from USI I have been blessed to know. 

My first exposure to the collegiate game was in the seventh grade when my coach asked for volunteers to act as ball roller at a Saint Joseph’s College home match.  The women (because to my thirteen year old eyes, these were women!) were athletic and dynamic and they could jump and they got excited when they scored (very different from my basketball-oriented world)!  And, truth be told, it looked so cool when the ball hit the floor at Mach 3!  It was like nothing my little eyes had ever seen.  And so it was: I am a volleyball player.

My path was a bit different than most aspiring collegiate players of today. I was not from a big prestigious club (or high school) program, not six foot two and not able to jump into the rafters.  What I was capable of though, was accepting challenge and working my tail off.  Fortunately for me, USI had an established culture of hard work and competitiveness that I would thrive in.  Not six foot two high jumpers from great clubs.  Girls who were like me: strong, athletic, and raw but REFUSED to lose and it was special.  I had officially found where I belonged and ten instant best friends who would put themselves on the line for me in any situation.  My most trusted and loyal friends to this day are my teammates from USI.

Now, that USI volleyball has experienced some success, they get more refined players from better club programs and it is so exciting to see.  It’s due to the competitiveness, work-like-a-dog hard work, dedication, never-say-die attitude, we-will-get-this-stuff-done, I’m-with-you-no-matter-what, culture that has been established at USI.  In my heart I know credit goes to the great coaches and players (I will not name names for fear of omission) the program has had in recent history.  They built the program and won championships despite ridiculous barriers.  I was just lucky enough to be there, trying to keep up with them.  Fortunately, the program is run by an awesome coach who absolutely understands all this because she was there.  Leah Mercer (or Mama Merce as she was known to me in our college days together), is not only a teammate, friend, and mentor of mine, she’s an exceptional person who is compassionate and understands what USI volleyball means and to me, that’s special.

My love for the game and passion for learning was fostered, not hindered and has yet to be quenched.  That is why I coach.  The USI volleyball experience is one I wouldn’t trade for any in the world and I know I’m not alone when I say this.  If you don’t know, you better ask somebody!

USI TIL I DIE!

Randi Raff #9