Oklahoma City University Athletics

Victoria Cross’ road to varsity volleyball could be considered unconventional.

Although Cross, a junior from Oklahoma City, chose Oklahoma City University due in part to the volleyball program, she spent her first year on campus as a member of the junior varsity squad.

Cross took the step up to varsity in her sophomore season and grabbed 237 digs – good enough for third best on the Stars roster in 2009.

And now as a junior, Cross is sitting in second in the Sooner Athletic Conference with 175 digs after 15 matches, netting her the distinction of OCU Super Star of the Week.

Her time on the junior varsity team has influenced Cross’ game on the court as she matures and grows in the OCU volleyball program.

“It was a lot of fun,” Cross said of the junior varsity squad. “I think me being on JV was an important part of me growing as a player and a person. It was definitely a lot different – like a step up in the level, maybe many levels up.”

Cross is handling the step up with ease, transitioning into what she considers as a “fundamental part” of the team in her role as libero, but it hasn’t come without effort and determination.

“It’s just getting a lot of touches on the ball whenever possible, practicing, a lot of sacrifice and hard work, everything like that,” Cross said of her third-year success.

When you see her hustle for the dig, set her teammate for the score and play aggressive back row defense, you can see that the road less traveled for most collegiate athletes has translated into a well-rounded libero for the Stars.

OCU is next in action Thursday at Abe Lemons Arena against conference foe Oklahoma Baptist at 7 p.m.