Just last week, the Lady Bisons ranked 12th in the Mid-Major Poll — the highest the Bisons have placed this season; this national attention is due, in part, to some of the team’s talented newcomers.
Freshman setter Morgan Elmore is one addition to the successful program.
Elmore said she had many other schools going after her for a volleyball scholarship, but Lipscomb was an easy choice for her.
“I love the family atmosphere of the team, how hard everybody works and the relationship between the teammates,” Elmore said.
The standout from Louisville, Kentucky, is majoring in dietetics and is focused on carrying her competitive drive over to her schoolwork as well as with her athletic career. Elmore has high hopes for this season, and said it’s important to stay motivated and hungry as a team to meet their goals.
“I hope that as a team we can truly come together to accomplish some great things and make it to the NCAA tournament!” Elmore said.
Another newcomer added to this year’s roster is freshman Maddie Phillips.
Phillips’ main contributions to this year’s team are her blocking skills and height. She had many other schools calling her as well, but said she was drawn to Lipscomb by the academics and closeness of the volleyball team.
“I really like that it’s a small school and has smaller class sizes,” Phillips said. “Lipscomb is giving me a great education along with a new family on the volleyball team.”
Another reason she chose to come to Lipscomb is because of the talented coaching staff.
“I really like Brandon because he is always there for you,” Phillips said. “He loves you unconditionally no matter what.”
Her close bond with the coaches and players has made Lipscomb an easy transition for her, and she hopes to make it to the Sweet 16 this season.
Phillips is from Houston, Texas, which she said could not be more different than Nashville. Nonetheless, she said she is loving living in Music City.
Another addition to the volleyball team is senior Taylor Rasich, a graduate student from the University of Pepperdine where she just finished up four seasons of beach volleyball.
Rosenthal recruited her to come south, even though, at the time, she was only looking at schools in California.
“On my visit it was obvious that I needed to be here,” Racich noted. “The people were so great, and the whole team spoiled me that weekend.”
Racich said she felt an immediate connection with Rosenthal and the entire team.
“They all created an amazing sense of family, and I wanted to be a part of that,” Rasich noted.
Even though her last few seasons have been on the sand and not the court, the right side hitter has experience in indoor volleyball as well.
“If she had never played indoor volleyball it would be a bigger adjustment,” Rosenthal said. “She is a well-intentioned enough of an athlete to make the adjustment.”
Each of this year’s newcomers hope to help the Lady Bisons repeat as ASUN champions and move on to the NCAA tournament.
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics