Whitney Kress started her college career as a student at Oklahoma State University. Towards the end of her freshman year, she began to miss playing volleyball.
When Oklahoma City University was starting a volleyball program, OCU baseball coach Denney Crabaugh mentioned Kress to coach Jen Salmans. Salmans gave Kress a call.
“It was the hard choice to make, but I’ve never regretted it,” said Kress.
Now in her second year at OCU, Kress was named to the all-Sooner Athletic Conference volleyball team as the front-row specialist of the year, an award that goes to the top middle blocker in the SAC. She is also this week’s U.S. Army Super Star of the week.
“This is a huge honor that I wasn’t expecting,” said Kress. “Our conference is very talented, and to receive this award is a real privilege.”
To get ready for games Kress likes to listen to musicals on her iPod.
“I have danced all my life, and listening to them is just a part of me,” said Kress.
The Stars advanced to the finals of the SAC tournament before losing to Lubbock Christian in five games.
“We played well in the tournament, but we learned things that we need to change going into the regional tournament,” said Kress.
The Stars meets Southwestern Assemblies of God (Texas) at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Lubbock, Texas in the NAIA Region VI volleyball tournament. The winner of the region advances to the NAIA Championships.
“We are very excited, well prepared and ready to dominate at regionals,” said Kress.
More on Whitney:
My hero: My mother
If I played another sport, it would be: Golf
Song I would use in an American Idol tryout: Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
My pregame ritual: Listening to my iPod to songs from musicals
My goal this year: To make it to the national championships
