Five years ago, the Sun Devil Volleyball program was in a very different place. With new recruits, a new coaching staff, a new conference, and the addition of multiple graduate students, the program has made a name for itself on the national stage.
With just one match left in the season and the NCAA tournament on the horizon, players are now taking time to reminisce on the struggles and success that Sun Devil Volleyball has shown them, documenting the lessons learned through trips out of Tempe and celebrations in locker rooms, both home and away.
Shania Cromartie
In the world of sports, teamwork and camaraderie are incredibly important. For Cromartie, every set, every match and every moment is a chance to grow with her team. With over 100 collegiate matches played in her career, she has played a lot of volleyball over the years.
Going into the 2023 volleyball season, Arizona State was not expected to do what it did. In a moment of growth and unity, ASU swept Stanford for the second time in program history. The last time the Sun Devils swept the Cardinal was in 1993.
“I think last year, going into conference, we were a lower ranked team. Being able to put our heads down and just keep working no matter what – we came in believing in ourselves and being able to persevere. It was really cool,” Cromartie said.
“Winning isn’t everything” is an old sports cliché, but it remains true to Cromartie who says the support she receives from her fellow teammates means so much more. Cromartie, who is originally from Florida, has found a home away from home at ASU.
“Having that family, no matter what I need on and off the court. Knowing that I have just a great support system, no matter if it’s Graham (Rossini, Sun Devil Athletics Athletic Director), or anyone. Everyone’s excited to help you and excited to help you become the best version of yourself. It’s just super special to me,” Cromartie said.
Geli Cyr
As an outside hitter, Cyr is used to finishing off long rallies with an explosive kill. In her four years as a Sun Devil, she has been able to achieve this feat, one of 21 in team history to surpass 1,000 career kills. This success on the court has followed along with her academic achievements, inching Cyr ever closer to graduation.
The time she has spent working towards this feat has left her with an…
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