An OCU volleyball player recently secured a national title and two conference titles.
Sophia Salak, biomedical science junior, was awarded both Sooner Athletic Conference setter of the week and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics setter of the week for Feb. 22-March 1 after a season-opening 3-1 win against Texas Wesleyan University (Texas) Feb. 22 at Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center. Salak offered 55 assists in the team’s 13-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-12 victory, marking the sixth time she had reached 50 assists over the course of her athletic career.
Salak was awarded SAC setter of the week again for March 1-7 after two more wins against John Brown (Ak.) (3-1) and Southwestern Christian (3-0).
Salak is the first SAC setter of the week for the 2021 season, and the first player in OCU Athletics history to earn NAIA setter of the week.
Kristen Coventon, head volleyball coach, said she is proud of Salak for earning the titles and believes she is well-deserving of the recognition.
“Sophia has had some really solid games these past few weeks,” Coventon said. “She is leading the nation in sets right now. She really puts in extra work in watching film and coming in extra to work on skills.”
Salak said she was excited and shocked to learn she had won all three awards.
“It was definitely a shock to me when I heard I earned NAIA national setter of the week,” Salak said. “Last week I was not feeling as confident or consistent in my play, so the second SAC weekly award was completely unexpected.”
Salak said she credits her team for her awards and is grateful for her fellow players.
“I was blessed to earn this award, but it is truly because of my team,” Salak said. “I have to give credit to my back-row players for working hard to get me a good pass, and my incredible hitters for taking care of the ball every time I get them a set. We are lucky to have amazing chemistry as a whole, so my job is so much easier because of the great connections I have with my hitters.”
Salak said she hopes to continue to perform well in her position this season.
“I hope to continue to deliver great balls for my hitters for the rest of this season,” Salak said. “I love setting them and just watching them take care of the rest. Everyone on this team is so much fun to play with.”
Salak said she is ready to continue proving the Stars’ worth after the team ranked 16th in the 2020-21 NAIA Women’s Volleyball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll.
“Our team goal for this season is to finish this season as undefeated conference champions and make a solid run at nationals,” Salak said. “We want to prove that we deserve to be ranked higher than No. 16 in the nation.”
Salak said she is thankful for time on the court this year because many athletes are not getting the same opportunities due to COVID-19.
“I truly just feel so grateful to have the opportunity to play this season with such great girls,” Salak said. “We weren’t sure if we were even going to be able to have a season due to COVID, so we are just thankful to be on the court competing together.”
Salak said her sights are now set on a 2021 All-American title.
The Stars will next play Mid-America Christian University March 18 at Abe Lemons Arena.
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