Siobhan Moore’s journey from prep school athlete to competing in the NCAA tournament was definitely different.
After a successful high school volleyball career at Northfield Mount Hermon School, the Leyden native wasn’t sure she wanted to continue playing volleyball at the collegiate level.
“I really wanted to focus on what I wanted to do academically,” Moore said. “Volleyball was kind of a bonus.”
But there was a underlying desire to stay on the court while pursuing her academic work.
“If athletics follow you, it is meant to be,” Moore said.
Moore stayed in contact with SUNY-Morrisville volleyball coach Fred Wallace, who informed her that she would have to earn a spot during the preseason.
The opportunity to get on a college roster was there for Moore, and she pounced on the chance.
“I had a chance to try out,” Moore said. “After that, (Wallace) said it was good to join the team. After that I kind of just walked on.”
Moore did well during the tryouts, earning a spot as the backup setter for the Mustangs.
“Over the summer, I didn’t really think I had a shot,” Moore said. “I worked hard on trying to figure it out. But (Wallace) gave me the chance to prove myself.”
Moore started showing chemistry with her hitters during the early stages of the season and her playing time increased gradually.
She became the starting setter for the Mustangs right around when conference play began and finished with 717 assists during her freshman campaign.
“I think I did a good job connecting with my hitters,” Moore said. “I was setting where my coach wanted me to.”
Against Muhlenberg in September, Moore dished out a season-high 57 assists in a five-set victory.
In a 3-1 win over Vassar College, Moore had 53 assists.
High school graduates who are not heavily recruited should not give up on their dreams of playing collegiate sports, according to Moore.
“Even if you are not recruited, there are still chances for you to play,” Moore said. “Focus on your academics and go to school for what you want to have a career in but athletics don’t have to end. It’s up to you whether you want to fight for it or not.”
The Mustangs captured their third straight North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Championship, taking down Penn State Abington, 3-0, in the final.
Morrisville and Abington went back and forth through the first few points until Moore served the Mustangs to an 8-2 lead in the first set. Moore finished with 49 assists in the win over the Nittany Lions.
The Mustangs did not lose all season in NEAC play. The conference championship for Morrisville was its third straight.
“We really just strive on being a family,” Moore said. “Working together and having that connection with each other on and off the court. That’s a really big factor for us.”
The Mustangs’ victory gave them an automatic berth into the Division III NCAA Tournament.
The Mustangs (23-8, 11-0) lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Ithaca College, 3-0.
“Playing against more intense, more competitive teams was definitely fun and really cool,” Moore said.
Playing in the tournament was a unique experience for Moore.
“It was definitely different,” Moore said. “I never got to experience anything like that. It was pretty nerve-wracking. Once we stepped out on the court as a team, we just started playing together and the nerves went away.”
Moore will continue to play volleyball during the spring.
“Just keeping the ball rolling,” Moore said. “We have spring ball this season, just working toward that.”
