9/10/2004 - Women's Volleyball
Warning: Explosive players come in small packages
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In high school this athletic all-star, Navy's libero, Megan Vehovic, not only ran track, but also played volleyball and basketball. Not sports you'd expect of an athlete who stands 5-feet tall.
After high school Vehovic traded in her running shoes and basketball to concentrate on her favorite sport, volleyball, and her studies at the academy.
"Volleyball is a sport that keeps me moving all the time," said Vehovic. "It continuously gets harder and faster. I like it because it challenges me more than either of the other two sports. I also really like the teamwork the game instills in every player. Everyone on the floor regardless of their position has to be aware of what's going on all the time."
Vehovic definitely knows what is going on - on and off the court, according to volleyball head coach, Mike Schwob.
"Libero is the Italian word for free," said Schwob. "This position is a player who can come on and off the court as many times as desired in a game. This means she always needs to know what is going on regardless if she is on the court or not. Megan does a great job of that."
Though Vehovic is the shortest player on the team, and often the shortest on the court she is not intimidated by taller players.
"She does not fit the typical stereotype of a volleyball player," said Schwob. "But when she gets on the court she explodes with quickness and spirit. "She can get on the court and change the entire momentum of the game."
"I do not see my height as a disadvantage," said Vehovic. "I see it as an advantage. It allows me to be closer to the ball to keep it from hitting the floor."
Being closer to the floor is not Vehovic's only advantage. Her spirit also gives her an opportunity to offer her team the support they need.
"I am really a vocal person," said Vehovic. "I like to get on the court and let the other team know I am there."
"Megan can really shift the momentum of the game by her spirit alone," said Schwob.
"She keeps the team focused on the next point. She is always looking ahead and keeping the looking in the forward direction even when the chips are down," said Schwob.
"She just has this contagious, energetic personality that people see as soon as she enters the room or the court," said Schowb.
This year Vehovic faces some changes in her position and on the volleyball team.
"This is the first year that liberos will be allowed to serve the ball." said Schwob. "This is a change we are looking forward to because serving is one of Megan's many strengths."
"I am excited about being allowed to serve because it will give me the opportunity to be on the offensive side and play a different role in the game," said Vehovic.
The team as a whole has also signed an oath of change.
"This year our coaches have challenged us to clean up the image of women's volleyball that we have gladly accepted," said Vehovic.
The contract that each player signed and has hanging in their locker addresses communication to their coaches and other players, attendance to practice and class, taking care of injuries and personal health, and strict adherence to NAAA rules and guide lines.
"The contracts are just a way to get us to be more accountable for our actions and more responsible for ourselves and our teammates.
"We are looking forward to a great year," said Vehovic.
