By DAVID SCHERER | Staff Writer
For every athlete, injuries are just a part of the game. Most would just give up or not put as much into our effort to try and not aggravate the injury. One APSU athlete is doing just the opposite.
Sophomore Nikki Doyle leads the Lady Govs volleyball team this year with 226 kills, quite an achievement when you take into account Doyle lost last year to a medical redshirt, something she was determined to make up for.
“My main goal this year was to stay injury free because I did redshirt last year. I wanted to become a more vocal member of the squad on the court because I have a hard time with that,” Doyle said.
It took a lot of fortitude to put up with the constant rehab and to journey down the road of recovery. This past summer she made sure to put in the extra hours practicing to try and help the team make up for the loss of OVC Player of the Year, Stephanie Champine.
“After Champ graduated my coach from last year told me that I need to take it upon myself to live up to her, and I’m trying but it’s tough because she was a really tough competitor.”
That being said, we are all witnesses to the growth she has made this season. One of the most noticeable aspects is her relationship with her teammates and coaches.
“We had a coaching change this year, but it really hasn’t been that tough because Haley was our assistant last year,” Doyle said.
“All of us are able to relate to Haley and the rest of the coaching staff because they’re really close to our age, it makes it a lot easier.”
“Our team is really close on and off the court. We hang out both at school and outside of school, so that has definitely helped us build up that chemistry that we’re showing”
If she is able to keep up this blistering pace, Doyle could very well eclipse Champs season and career records, something Doyle would be very honored by.
“I have very high expectations, for myself and the team as well. If I was able to break any type of record it would be great. There have been some great players here at APSU, and I would be honored to be in their company.”
Doyle plans to become a physical therapist, and she believes she has learned some great lessons at APSU that will undoubtedly translate to the real world.
“I have learned a whole lot from the team. They have really helped me to come out of my shell this year and become a more vocal person, because I am really timid. I know that it will definitely help me achieve my goals.” TAS
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