Q&A with Oxford volleyball player Torrey Tkach
OXFORD, Miss. — Oxford High School Volleyball Middle Hitter Torrey Tkach has committed to play NCAA Division I volleyball at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Torrey is the first student in Oxford’s history to receive a full Division 1 scholarship for volleyball.
Let’s hear from Torrey about what to expect from her in the near future.
Talk about Southern Miss. What made you sign with the Eagles?
Torrey Tkach: Their interest in me played a big role. They came to me like I was already one of them. They welcomed me openly. Their facilities, their equipment, and just the school and the town – everyone was really welcoming. I enjoyed being there even after just one visit.
Who recruited you from Southern Miss?
Tkach: Jenny Hazelwood, the Head Coach, came to a game this past summer. She watched me play just one time and sat me down and offered me a spot then and there.
What do you play?
Tkach: I play middle hitter.
What do you feel like you excel in as a middle hitter?
Tkach: I think I definitely excelled in transition and blocking which is in serving and playing defenese which is hard for a middle or someone who is really tall to play. That is what I worked on because I knew if I had a strong serving game, which is the first contact of volleyball, it would be a big game changer.
Before you enroll next year, what are one or two things you are trying to work on?
Tkach: I am still continuing my speed and just reading the opponent and how to hit around a person or put the ball away because that is part of my job, putting the ball away quickly and efficiently.
Talk about Oxford High. How was your season in general?
Tkach: The season was a tough season but it was very fun. I enjoyed every minute of it with my teammates and my four other seniors. I wish it had ended differently but I can only do what I can. That’s my role. We are a team and everyone had to put in effort and I think everyone on the team did that. We had a strong team and we would always come out a little confident but at the end of the day we knew that we had to be smart about playing a different opponent thats going to be better.
Talk about Oxford High in general. What has it meant to you and your development as a volleyball player?
Tkach: As for development, I’d say I improved most playing at Oxford because I did start playing in middle school, but not here at Oxford. I used to live in Texas when I first started and the level of play is completely different here than where I used to live. I think Oxford has helped me develop really quickly.
You came over from Texas in Middle School. How have you enjoyed your experience here in Oxford?
Tkach: The community is great. The people and town are great. I love to go to the games at Ole Miss on football weekends. Oxford is a fantastic school. There are alot of opportunities and the teachers are great. They want to help you grow and do whatever you want to do in the future. Big congrats to Torrey on her University of Southern Mississippi scholarship! We are excited to see what her future holds!
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