by Caitlin Jefferson '22
The Ohio Wesleyan volleyball team was thrilled to welcome new team member Serena to the program, as she officially signed to become a Battling Bishop during a press conference held on Thursday at Edwards Gym on the Ohio Wesleyan campus.
During the press conference, Ohio Wesleyan head coach Kirsta Cobb and athletics director Doug Zipp spoke about welcoming Serena.
"Some of these traits we have been saying about Serena today are all things we need out of our student-athletes: resiliency, grit, a sense of humor, and passion," said Cobb. "We are really excited for Serena to help represent all those qualities with our team and we know she will do that."
Serena sat next to her parents, Sam and Heidi, as she signed with a smile on her face and the support of her loving family and the Bishop volleyball team. However, her signing day would not have been possible without Team Impact. Team Impact is a national nonprofit organization that connects children facing serious and chronic illnesses with local college teams. The kids in the organization form lasting bonds and experience a little bit of what it is like to be on a college sports team. Serena has cystic fibrosis and with the help of Team Impact, she was able to become a part of the fun, supportive volleyball family.
Sam spoke after his daughter signed, saying that the family is very happy and grateful to see her join this positive community. He mentioned that they could not have done this without Team Impact and the sponsorship of Vertex. "They are the reason that Serena is doing as well as she is doing and she is currently part of a phase-three trial that includes a drug Vertex has developed," he said. "She is doing very well and will continue to do very well with things like this that bring a smile to her day and to her life; it will be a great experience for all of us involved."
Serena showed genuine excitement and her outgoing personality throughout the press conference contributed to a heart-warming evening for the whole volleyball team and the coaches. Serena was asked to answer a few questions by the team after she signed.
"My favorite thing about volleyball is serving, other than when I don't make it over the net," said Serena. "I am looking forward to just getting to know all of you and having a lot of fun playing volleyball with you guys."
Serena went on to talk about what it means to become part of this program while dealing with cystic fibrosis. "It means so much to me because I know you guys are gonna bring so much fun to what I do and I like to brag to my friends that I get to hang out with college volleyball players."
Serena was given the number 21, her very own locker, and a volleyball signed by the whole team. Serena and the entire program are so excited that she has joined and are looking forward to her being a part of OWU volleyball.
