HailStateVB Senior Feature: Shelby Anderton
November 26, 2015 | Volleyball
For the remainder of the 2015 season, HailState.com will take you through the journey of each of the five MSU volleyball seniors. Today, we continue our five-part series with a look at senior setter and Collierville, Tennessee native Shelby Anderton.
By: John Galatas, MSU Media Relations
Senior Shelby Anderton was destined to be a Bulldog. Many of her family members have attended Mississippi State, including her brother who is currently an MSU student. Her family tailgates nearly every home football game. Her grandfather, Billy Anderton, played for legendary coach Babe McCarthy and was a member of the infamous Game of Change 1963 basketball team. For the Andertons, it's a family affair.
Although Shelby knew where she wanted to play college volleyball, getting here took some time.
Then-MSU coach Jenny Hazelwood was interested in Anderton, but a crowded roster didn't allow enough scholarship opportunity for her to join the Bulldog team out of high school. Although opportunities opened, doors seemed to close soon after.
"Out of high school, this was my No. 1 choice of where I wanted to go, but Jenny didn't have a setter scholarship available at the time and I didn't want to walk on. I was originally going to go to Auburn but their coach got fired," she said. "Toward the end of my junior year I had to find somewhere else and ended up at Middle Tennessee."
Anderton enjoyed her time at Middle Tennessee State, drawing 55 starts in her first two seasons and playing in 236 of 237 total sets. As a freshman, the setter paced MTSU with 1,082 assists.
Although she thrived on the court, a difference in coaching philosophies ultimately led to her deciding to transfer.
"I really loved MTSU, but I felt that I needed to go somewhere else. Right after I got my release, I was contacted by (MSU assistant coach) Sam (Wolinski) and she said, 'We want you here.' I hadn't even contacted them yet," she said. "I knew out of high school they didn't have a setting scholarship, and Jenny said, 'We have one now. We want you to come.'"
Without hesitation, Anderton was ready to fulfill her lifelong dream of playing in Maroon and White.
"I didn't even look anywhere else. I was committed about a day after my release," she said. "I was so excited to be here. I love being here."
In her first season at MSU, she was one of three Bulldogs to play in all 33 matches. She led MSU with 750 assists, averaging 6.3 per set.
Now in her senior year, Anderton continues to grow and improve on and off the court.
"Skill wise and being the quarterback on the court, calling the plays and communicating with the coaches," she said. "Having started since my freshman year, I grew and grew and learned how to run an offense. I've led by that and helped the freshman."
Having practically grown up in Starkville, Anderton will leave her collegiate career with a plethora of memories. One of her favorites on the court came when MSU upset LSU in a five-set thriller a season ago. Off the court, it's her teammates and lasting friendships Anderton will cherish most.
"Since I've been here and on this team there are a few who will be in my wedding, whether it's two years from now or 10 years from now," she said. "There are so many good friendships. I love the experience here."
The communication major spent this past summer interning at CBS-affiliate WCBI in Columbus this summer. She will work part-time with the news station this spring and plans to be a broadcast reporter following graduation.
Although her time at MSU is drawing to a close, Anderton is grateful for the opportunities MSU continues to allow her on and off the court, and will never forget the lasting memories she has made in her home away from home.
"It's crazy that my time is coming to an end. It's like a whole part of yourself that just ends. I've been playing since I was 10. I'm so thankful for the opportunities here and elsewhere and getting to play the sport I love for so long," she said. "It was my dream to play in the SEC and play for Mississippi State, and that's something I got to do. I'm really thankful for the opportunity."
