With women’s college volleyball growing in popularity and thousands of young female athletes participating in varsity athletics, the Lady Colonels’ senior libero Cheri White is a shining example of what it means to a student-athlete.
A multi-sport athlete in prep school, White was a member of the National Honor Society while competing in softball, tennis, volleyball and basketball.
“I’ve always been a student athlete, but it’s hard to tie the two together, honestly because volleyball really is everything once you get to college,” White said.
White, a stellar defensive player, earned Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors the first week of the 2002 season. One of the top defensive players on this season’s team, teammates often depend on White during critical portions of the game.
“When I’m in the back row and she’s next to me I can count on her to take all the balls,” senior outside hitter Caley Carter said.
Tallying 448 digs, almost 100 better than the second most digs by any other Colonel last season, head volleyball coach M.J. Engstrom expects similar numbers this season.
“Cheri is our best passer and that’s what keep us in a lot of matches,” Engstrom said.
A reliable player on and off the court White earned first team all academic Southland Conference honors in addition to being touted as the Nicholl’s Female Student-Athlete of the Year in 2002. A very tenacious player, she has often played with a reoccurring shoulder injury.
“This is my third year with my shoulder bothering me,” White said. After careful evaluation, White decided not to have major surgery prior to the season.
With hundreds of young women and men in attendance at every game, White sets an example of what it means to be a college student-athlete.
When asked what it means to be able to have an impact on a young person’s life, White said, “It’s really a honor — it’s exciting because I remember when I was that age. I was so excited to see older people and look up to them; I think it’s really flattering.”
A graphic design major and native of Seattle, Wash., White credits her coach, M.J. Engstrom and the Louisiana culture as her main reasons for Nicholls as her school of choice.
“The size of the school, the art program, coach Engstrom and the fact that it’s a French speaking area were things that I really enjoyed,” White said.
When asked what she would like to do after college, White said, “I’m really into traveling, I want to work on my art and French, but I’ll still play a lot of volleyball probably on the beach.”
The Lady Colonels will need White and her teammates to play well against the University of Texas on Saturday Sept. 5 in Austin, Texas.