Victoria Cross etched her name into the Oklahoma City University record books.
The senior libero from Oklahoma City recorded a career-high 30 digs in OCU volleyball’s win over Sterling (Kan.) on Sept. 10. Her 30-dig game is only the ninth in OCU volleyball history and good enough for Cross to be named the first Super Star of the Week for the 2011-12 athletic year.
“She’s just a fierce competitor, and she’s is one of those players that I never have to worry about her consistency,” OCU coach Nikki Dieball said. “She shows up and plays hard every single point of play, and she has been the stronghold of our defensive system.”
Cross’ previous career high in digs was 28 against Bethel (Kan.) recorded on Aug. 27 earlier this season.
“It was a lot of hard work,” Cross said. “Kind of tiring, but it just takes a lot of enthusiasm and focus. I had a lot of help from teammates in the blocking aspect of it.”
Cross began her career at OCU on the junior varsity squad, but moved up her sophomore year, playing a position that only those familiar with volleyball know exists.
“Everyone can always see that I wear a different color jersey,” Cross said. “Basically the libero leads the defense. They are normally the best passer on the team, and they lead the defense and keep the team going and dig the ball.”
Cross ranked fifth in the Sooner Athletic Conference in digs with 4.11 digs per set in 2010 while helping the Stars to the SAC Tournament title and an NAIA Championships appearance.
“It was pretty awesome,” Cross said. “It’s cool to see your goals become accomplished and see all your hard work actually pay off in the end. It was a really great experience to get to go to the national tournament.”
Cross was named an NAIA scholar-athlete a season ago and continues to focus on her major in kinesiology.
“I have a great interest in sports, and I kind of just wanted to carry that over into my career,” Cross said. “I always feel like you should do what you love to do, and I didn’t want to be bored at a desk job.”
Cross plans to pursue a career in sports psychology when she finishes her volleyball career at OCU.
“Sports are mental, a lot of athletes know that, and it just goes into a lot of the mental aspects,” Cross said. “Like if you get an injury, like coming back and being worried about if you’re going to be injured or be able to perform, things like that.”
More on Victoria:
My nickname: Tori
Favorite athlete: Tony Romo
Favorite cartoon character: Stewie from Family Guy
Favorite sporting venue: Dallas Cowboys Stadium
Reason I picked OCU: Great people/ Volleyball
