Myrick Gearing Up For Big Season In New Role
August 31, 2023 | Volleyball
Dawgs now counting on Myrick as their libero.
STARKVILLE – It's not easy for a veteran student-athlete to take on a new position, but Mississippi State's Lauren Myrick has done just that on the volleyball court.
Myrick, who has been an outside and right-side hitter for MSU since 2020, made a big switch to libero in the offseason. In this position, she serves as the heart of the Bulldogs' defense, trading kills for digs and sporting a unique jersey that makes her stand out. Myrick's responsibilities have shifted greatly, but she's embraced the differences that have come with her new role on the team.
"I think that it's given me a better view of the court," Myrick said. "It's been really cool to see things from a different perspective."
That's not to say that there hasn't been some adapting to do. Myrick explained that she's had to improve at making quick decisions and has put an even greater focus on helping her teammates.
"I think playing back row the entire time, I've had to really learn to put a lot of emphasis on calling shots for my hitters and seeing the court from a different perspective," Myrick said.
Myrick took the court as a libero for the first time this past weekend when Mississippi State hosted the StarkVegas Classic at the Newell-Grissom Building. It was a successful weekend all around. The Bulldogs swept the competition to start the season with a 3-0 record, and Myrick had an outstanding performance in each match. The graduate student totaled 64 digs in the three matches — including 27 against Louisiana — averaging 5.82 digs per set.
In recognition of her outstanding performance, Myrick was named the Southeastern Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Week on Monday in the season's first set of weekly awards. It was a huge honor for the graduate student, who used it to reflect on how much she has grown as a player since first sporting the Maroon and White.
"When I was in high school, I was never allowed to play back row or pass or anything," Myrick said. "Seeing that I can actually do that and getting recognition for it, I think it kind of shows that I've come a long way."
Myrick's talent on the court is undeniable, but her ability to be a strong leader and motivate her teammates has earned her a spot as one of Mississippi State's three captains. She's experienced nearly everything imaginable in her four years with the program and brings a veteran presence that will surely help her team as the group strives to reach great heights this year.
"I've been here for so long that I feel like I know the program really well, and I've seen where it's been and where it can go," Myrick said.
One thing is clear: every member of the team knows exactly what must be accomplished this season, according to Myrick.
"We've all talked, and the ultimate goal is a tournament appearance," Myrick said.
As the matches pass in her final season, Myrick hopes to make the biggest possible impact. She's already left her mark on the program, but there is still plenty of time to add to her legacy and lead the Bulldogs to great things.
"It's just about how many balls can I dig, how many balls can I get a hand on and then just kind of going all out because it's my last year, so it's all or nothing," Myrick said.
Myrick and the Bulldogs will travel to Orlando this weekend to compete in the UCF Challenge against UCF and FIU. MSU and UCF square off at 6 p.m. on Friday ahead of the Dawgs' 4 p.m. match versus FIU on Saturday.
