Oklahoma City University Athletics

Samantha Ball has been happy to be a part of the Oklahoma City University volleyball team. 
The sophomore volleyball player from Edmond, Okla., is in her first season at OCU after transferring from Pittsburg State (Kan.).
“I looked at OCU at the same time I looked at Pitt State, and the thing that drew me to Pitt was that it was [NCAA] Division II and just the higher level,” Ball said.
"But once I got there I realized that volleyball will only be four years of my life, and I thought this would be closer to home and closer to my family. I knew Jen [Gomez] was an awesome coach and a great competitor, and she had a good team here.”
Ball is this week’s Super Star of the Week after averaging 10.11 assists, 2.00 digs and 0.26 aces in helping OCU go 4-1 this week with wins over fourth-ranked Columbia (Mo.) and 22nd-ranked Lindenwood (Mo.). Columbia was the highest ranked team the Stars have beaten in volleyball.
The Stars have won seven of their last eight games after a difficult start to the season and sit in second place in the Sooner Athletic Conference.
“I think a lot of the girls have come in and done extra work during the week,” Ball said about the turnaround in the season. “Whether it’s one hour a day or two hours a day with the coaches individually, and I think that has really helped a lot.”
At OCU matches, it is not hard to spot Ball’s parents in the stands. Her parents have traveled everywhere with the team to show their support for their daughter and her teammates.
“My mom is usually the loudest one out there,” Ball said. “The players like it because she yells for everyone and cheers for everyone. I guess I always took it for granted that my parents followed me everywhere, but it means a lot that my parents will follow me six or seven hours to see me.”
To view video of an interview with Ball, click here.