Not Kids Anymore
August 18, 2019 | Volleyball
Sophomores Using Rookie Experiences to Build Into 2019
By Austin Coats, Graduate Assistant/Communications
Deja Robinson, Paige Shaw and Gabby Waden will forever be Julie Darty's first freshman class as head volleyball coach at Mississippi State.
In their first year, the 2018 campaign that Darty calls "season zero," she called upon her rookies more than other coaches might.
"This class is a very special class," Darty said. "They gained a tremendous amount of experience from playing large roles as freshmen. They are taking steps to mature, and they will continue to have opportunities to showcase their growth this season."
While many student-athletes would crumble under that pressure, Shaw embraced it.
"It was probably way more than she could handle, but she carried it with grace and poise," Darty said.
"I didn't see it as stress, I saw it as an opportunity to grow," Shaw said.
And grow she did. After a season in which she led the Bulldogs with 174 kills during SEC play, expect Shaw to take on a large role once again.
"Paige is an explosive volleyball player and she is certainly going to carry a big load for us this season," Darty said. "I think she is ready and hungry to handle it, and the experience she gained during her freshman season is only going to help her this season."
Robinson's sophomore season is about building on a first year in which she earned Freshman All-SEC honors. She led the team in 2018 with 70 block assists, was second in total blocks (94) and third in kills (203).
"Deja was a go-to player for us as a freshman and we expect the same this season," Darty said.
Waden's freshman experience differed from her peers. Out with an injury, Waden didn't join her teammates on the court until October, more than halfway through the season. However, like Shaw and Robinson, she grew from her situation.
"I think what I learned the most was how to be patient," Waden said. "The timing was set for me to play."
Waden sees 2019 as an opportunity to prove what kind of player she is.
"They have only seen half of me and what I can do," Waden said. "I really keyed in this spring and focused on getting my health together, first and foremost, then on getting my skill level ready for the big-time opponents we will be playing."
"We are very excited to watch Gabby really come into her own during the 2019 season," Darty said.
While Waden missed most of the season, Darty said she was still a notable positive force.
"Gabby is one of the most energetic and positive people that I have ever been around," Darty said. "She walks in a room, or steps on the court, and you feel her presence immediately."
While building on the success they have already had, the sophomores believe this year's freshman class can step in and repeat what they started.
"I think the freshmen that came in will bring a lot to this team," Robinson said.
"[They] are adjusting really well," Waden echoed.
When it's all said and done, Darty believes the trio will boast more than simply being her first freshman class.
"Gabby, Paige and Deja have a chance to really leave a legacy on this program," Darty said. "They can change who we are. It's really exciting to think about."
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Deja Robinson, Paige Shaw and Gabby Waden will forever be Julie Darty's first freshman class as head volleyball coach at Mississippi State.
In their first year, the 2018 campaign that Darty calls "season zero," she called upon her rookies more than other coaches might.
"This class is a very special class," Darty said. "They gained a tremendous amount of experience from playing large roles as freshmen. They are taking steps to mature, and they will continue to have opportunities to showcase their growth this season."
While many student-athletes would crumble under that pressure, Shaw embraced it.
"It was probably way more than she could handle, but she carried it with grace and poise," Darty said.
"I didn't see it as stress, I saw it as an opportunity to grow," Shaw said.
And grow she did. After a season in which she led the Bulldogs with 174 kills during SEC play, expect Shaw to take on a large role once again.
"Paige is an explosive volleyball player and she is certainly going to carry a big load for us this season," Darty said. "I think she is ready and hungry to handle it, and the experience she gained during her freshman season is only going to help her this season."
Robinson's sophomore season is about building on a first year in which she earned Freshman All-SEC honors. She led the team in 2018 with 70 block assists, was second in total blocks (94) and third in kills (203).
"Deja was a go-to player for us as a freshman and we expect the same this season," Darty said.
Waden's freshman experience differed from her peers. Out with an injury, Waden didn't join her teammates on the court until October, more than halfway through the season. However, like Shaw and Robinson, she grew from her situation.
"I think what I learned the most was how to be patient," Waden said. "The timing was set for me to play."
Waden sees 2019 as an opportunity to prove what kind of player she is.
"They have only seen half of me and what I can do," Waden said. "I really keyed in this spring and focused on getting my health together, first and foremost, then on getting my skill level ready for the big-time opponents we will be playing."
"We are very excited to watch Gabby really come into her own during the 2019 season," Darty said.
While Waden missed most of the season, Darty said she was still a notable positive force.
"Gabby is one of the most energetic and positive people that I have ever been around," Darty said. "She walks in a room, or steps on the court, and you feel her presence immediately."
While building on the success they have already had, the sophomores believe this year's freshman class can step in and repeat what they started.
"I think the freshmen that came in will bring a lot to this team," Robinson said.
"[They] are adjusting really well," Waden echoed.
When it's all said and done, Darty believes the trio will boast more than simply being her first freshman class.
"Gabby, Paige and Deja have a chance to really leave a legacy on this program," Darty said. "They can change who we are. It's really exciting to think about."
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Players Mentioned
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