In her third year as a Spartan, junior outside hitter Michelle Kopka is finally settling in on the MSU volleyball team and in the United States.
Still, she feels there is more work to be done.
Kopka came to MSU via Scarborough, Ontario, and not only had to adjust to the new style of volleyball in the United States but also the new lifestyle.
"When I came here initially, it was obviously a huge shock," Kopka said. "But I think I'm adjusting to that gradually. The volleyball level is totally different.
"Things are slower and on a much smaller scale in Canada."
Her teammates have noticed the biggest change in her play.
"Michelle has really come around this year in general," sophomore libero Marley Bellwood said. "Since last spring, she has been playing really good volleyball."
Prior to MSU's tournament in South Carolina two weeks ago, Kopka had been looking for a way to contribute to the team more. She wanted to jump at any opportunity.
Kopka got the chance - and killed it.
As part of MSU's game plan against North Carolina, Kopka was going to get more hitting opportunities, putting extra pressure on her to come through for the team.
She didn't waste a beat, hammering down her first attacking attempts with kills. She ended up hitting .429 against South Carolina and .421 against then-No. 17 North Carolina with 24 combined kills.
She had finally stepped out of the shadows and into the MSU volleyball spotlight.
"I am really happy with how I played." Kopka said, following the career weekend. "Right now it feels good, but there is so much more I want to accomplish this season."
Head coach Chuck Erbe felt Kopka had a "breakout" weekend, playing well in every area of the game.
"She has never played at this level before," Erbe said. "She handled the ball flawlessly, was great in serving and very composed."
However, Kopka knows two good games don't mean the rest of the season will be a success.
"Take it for what it's worth - it was one good performance," Kopka said. "My goal for the season, personally, is consistency. I really haven't proved anything to myself. That will not happen until later in the season."
Hopefully for MSU volleyball fans, Kopka's feeling when she steps on the floor this weekend and the rest of the season will be a good one.
This weekend, No. 15 MSU travels to Washington for two Saturday matches in the American Volleyball Classic. MSU will play No. 21 San Diego (7-2) at 1 p.m. - the Spartans' fifth consecutive match against a ranked opponent - before meeting American University (2-7) at 8 p.m.
