CRESTVIEW — The next step in Crestview High School athlete Nichole LeFevre’s volleyball journey started with a school assignment.
'I LOVE HITTING'
“Last year, I did my research project for my English class on Faulkner State (Community College), and it just really caught my interest,” she said. “I looked into it and saw they have a volleyball program, and I really wanted to play volleyball in college."
In the fall, LeFevre will make the move to Bay Minette, Ala., where she will continue her sports career.
"They have my major (criminal justice) that I want to major in, and it all tied together. I went to a tryout there and the coach (Dr. Ritchie Dulaney) really liked me. I got along with the girls there, and it’s like a plan for me, I guess.”
LeFevre, 5-foot-7, expects to play right side hitter and be a backup setter for the Sun Chiefs. While some players might shy away from the challenge of going against players several inches taller, LeFevre sees it as an opportunity to prove herself.
“It pushes me to want to reach my dreams and pursue my goals,” she said. “It makes me just want to work harder, which I love doing. I love working. I love hitting. I love putting in the time to do stuff. It pushes me more, but I know I can do it.”
'VERY DEDICATED'
LeFevre’s attitude doesn't surprise Bulldog volleyball Coach Kathy Combest, who has witnessed her drive the past four years.
“She’s very dedicated,” Combest said. “If she’s not good at something, she will go and work on it without being told. So she will take a good work ethic (to Faulkner) and she’s very smart on the court.”
LeFevre came to Combest having played just one season of middle school volleyball. It didn’t hurt that LeFevre had a soccer background before taking up volleyball, Combest said.
“She’s just an athlete,” Combest said. “She’s got great feet from being a soccer player. If you can get someone with great feet, you can teach them to do the other stuff.”
'COACH PUSHED ME'
LeFevre credits her volleyball success to Combest.
“At the start of my freshman year, I told her I had never set before and it was just weird touching the ball trying to set,” LeFevre said. “Coach pushed me into it and made me set — and made me love the sport.
“I can honestly thank her, because I’m going to college to set. Having her push me to become a setter is kind of awesome.”
LeFevre said she wants the opportunity to continue playing volleyball after her two years at Faulkner.
For now, she’s not too worried about the future.
“I love FSU (Florida State) for beach volleyball, and it’s one of the top programs in the country for that,” she said. “I love beach volleyball, and I might consider that.
"Right now, the options are open.”
Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @cnb_sports, or call 682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Facing taller volleyball players doesn't faze Bulldog bound for Faulkner