OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 23, 2020) – "It's the start of something new" – both a quote from a famous "High School Musical" song and a mantra for the inaugural season of the revived women's volleyball program at Oklahoma Christian.
For junior-college transfer
Kelsie Schiefelbein, the chance to be a part of something new drew her to OC.
"I wanted to play volleyball at Oklahoma Christian because I wanted to be a part of building a new program," Schiefelbein said. "I am excited to be a part of something so special. I am also excited to start new traditions and get the school excited about the new team on campus."
Schiefelbein grew up in the Phoenix area and excelled in multiple sports at Liberty High School in Peoria, Ariz. She varsity lettered in track and volleyball at Liberty and was named the 2018 powderpuff football most valuable player.
During her senior year, Schiefelbein recorded 177 kills, 18 aces and 53 blocks across 89 sets played. Out of high school, coach Lisa Stuck from nearby Glendale Community College recruited Schiefelbein.
Schiefelbein said she knew Glendale was a great place to grow as a player and improve her skill.
"I knew Glendale Community College was a great place to start my collegiate career," Schiefelbein said. "I chose Glendale first because it was close to home, had a great coaching staff and I knew I would get the opportunity to play with a lot of my club teammates."
While at Glendale, Schiefelbein played middle hitter and blocker. She helped lead the team to a 19-6 record in 2018 and a 23-7 record in 2019. In her final year at Glendale, Schiefelbein played in 30 matches and recorded 196 kills, 19 aces, 47 digs and 84 blocks.
Schiefelbein found OC by emailing coaches while trying to get recruited out of Glendale. When she got in touch with OC coach
Barry Wheeler, she came on a visit and enjoyed the campus environment, teammates she met and values of the program, which heavily influenced her decision to become an Eagle.
Wheeler said Schiefelbein brings leadership and experience to a young Oklahoma Christian team. He said her experience – she's one of only three players on the roster who's played college volleyball – will be vital in the program's first season back since 1983.
"Kelsie has leadership skills and a great insight on what it takes to be successful on and off the court," Wheeler said. "Physically, she is one of our faster players and has a high volleyball IQ. She understands the mentality of a middle hitter and the importance of her role in that position. I expect Kelsie to be an integral part of the success of the Oklahoma Christian volleyball program."
Schiefelbein said she believes her leadership will allow her to have an immediate impact on the success of the team.
"I am confident my previous collegiate experience will allow me to be a leader on the court this year and help my team achieve the goals we have set for ourselves," Schiefelbein said.
Although the volleyball season – traditionally in the fall semester – was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team now looks to begin their season in February. Despite the new regulations and precautions due to the pandemic, Schiefelbein said the team keeps a positive perspective, with the hopes of competing motivating them.
"Our team has been taking the necessary precautions in order to get us back on the court as soon as possible," Schiefelbein said. "Balancing training during COVID has been difficult. It's definitely an adjustment having to play volleyball in a mask, but we're willing to do what we have to in order to have the opportunity to compete."
Schiefelbein is majoring in biology and wants to be a physician's assistant after graduating from OC.
When she isn't playing volleyball, Schiefelbein said she loves spending time with her family, who influenced her to play volleyball and have supported her along the way.
"My older cousins had a big influence on the reason I started playing volleyball," Schiefelbein said. "I went to their games and wanted to play because I looked up to them."
