Thursday, March 28, 2024

Transfer ready to lead

September 12, 2002
Junior outside hitter Sara Villwock spikes the ball past Georgetown players in early session match. —

Three years ago an athlete described as having “competitive fire” was a coveted recruit.

The Spartans lost the recruiting battle as Sara Villwock chose to stay close to home and attend Colorado.

After two years of leading the Buffaloes’ volleyball team to as far as the second round in the NCAA Regionals, the junior outside hitter wanted to compete for a national championship.

“I felt like I wanted more and I needed a change,” Villwock said. “I thought the team had a lot of potential.”

She picked up the phone and called Spartan head coach Chuck Erbe and said she was interested in transferring. Immediately, Erbe told assistant coach Todd Dagenais to get in contact with her.

Villwock came on an official visit in May, and ate lunch with Erbe when she told the coach she had signed a lease in East Lansing.

Her arrival was all positive according to Erbe.

“She was the final piece of the puzzle for our team,” Erbe said. “I feel you have to play with your heart and that’s one of the things Sara brings. She brings her heart to the floor every night and everyone sees that.”

It didn’t take long for Spartan volleyball fans to see Villwock at work. In her first action as a Spartan, Villwock helped lead MSU to the Coca-Cola/MSU Volleyball Classic championship and was named MVP of the tournament.

“I just try to bring consistency and experience to the floor,” Villwock said. “Being in the NCAA Tournament and being a starter for two years, I try to be an emotional leader on the floor.”

Aside from her leadership and skill, Villwock’s attitude makes her a complete player.

“She has been one of the most willing participants in the player-coach aspect that I’ve ever had,” Erbe said. “She’s certainly on her way to becoming a great player.”

The Spartans lost a great player last year in All-American Erin Hartley.

The loss provided a hole in the Spartans’ system, but Villwock has helped fill the void.

“She’s been a great addition in all aspects of the game,” junior setter Nikki Colson said. “With Erin leaving last year, that’s what this team needed - someone to fill the gap and Sara does that.”

What makes her domination on the court even more remarkable is that she’s been playing with a sore right shoulder. Erbe has been working with her to change her arm motion, but the pain lingers.

During a practice last week, Villwock fell on her shoulder in practice making a defensive play.

The Spartans missed her presence on the court in the WMU Invitational this past weekend, as Erbe was cautious with Villwock’s injury. However, Villwock was not silent on the bench - she wanted to play.

“That’s part of her competitive fire,” Erbe said. “She loves to play and she loves to compete.”

“Her presence on the court is amazing,” Colson said. “I can look at her and know she’s always ready to dig a ball, pass a ball, take a swing, take a bigger swing when the match is on the line - that’s Sara.”

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