S PORTS
Novembers, 2013
11
Freeman returns to court, sets example for her team
BY ANNA OATES
"Brittany Freeman is the ideal student athlete for
Guilford/' said head volleyball coach Emily Gann.
The 5'11" senior outside hitter is considered a star on
and off the court by her coaches and teammates.
"She gets involved in things other than athletics, but
she's still very committed," Gann said. "She's figured out
how to be both a student and an athlete successfully."
When it was time to decide her college path. Freeman
decided on a different route than that of most successful
high school athletes.
"I come from competitive volleyball up in the Asheville
area, so I probably could have gone for the first or second
division schools," Freeman said. "But I chose Guilford
because they value academics over athletics."
Freeman played as a first-year at Guilford, but after her
sophomore campaign, she decided to take a break from
athletics.
"At the time, I wanted to focus on school and the
culture," Freeman said. "I needed time to adjust to the
school."
And the choice seemed to pay off. Freeman will
graduate in December with a double major in history and
political science.
As her senior year rolled around, she yearned to show
her talents on the court once again.
"This was my first year playing with Freeman," said
sophomore teammate Marinda Popp. "I had a great
experience with her.
"She's a real team player. When we aren't doing drills,
we're all hanging out and having fun."
Freeman proved to teammates that she could be trusted
when it was time to perform as a teammate and friend.
"I've never played with anyone like her before," said
sophomore Maile Munro. "I think it's brought a new level
to my game and a new understanding to how teammates
should act."
During the offseason. Freeman voluntarily practiced
with the team for hours during the week.
"I said to her, 'You want to help, why wouldn't you
want to play?"' Gann said.
Freeman said she was worried about fitting back in
with the team, which turned out to be the least of her
problems.
"This group of girls encourages me to be who I am and
Senior outside hitter Brittany Freeman is an integral part of the volleyball team and well-respected by teammates and coaches.
play how I play," said Freeman. "They accept this slight
abrasiveness I have, and I enjoy them outside the court.
"I never played on a team of girls who are as a kind
and accepting."
And she was not just accepted but also admired by her
team.
"It's actually inspiring to hear her talk about leaving
and finding the passion, strength and will to come back,"
said Munro.
Freeman said it was not just the team who had
developed.
"I've changed a lot in two years," said Freeman. "I
coached and learned some more aspects of being a team
player and not just a star player.
"Plus, I'm 22, and I'm married now."
But does that make a difference on the court?
"It's like, 'Brittany, girl, you're still just like us,"' said
Munro. "We're all sprinting for the ball."
Intramural sports lets students practice, gain experience without pressure
BY CHRISTIANNA VAN DALSEN
Staff Wftrrst
Intramural sports allow Guilford College
students to unite under the same goal: to
play as hard as they can and
have fun doing it. And
who knows? You
might just reap
some unexpected
rewards.
Take senior
defender Jovanni
Catalan for
example.
Catalan played
intramural soccer
for three years before he made the varsity
men's soccer team.
"The guys knew him and said I should
put him on the field, and I'd seen him
play," said head men's soccer coach Jeff
Bateson. "He has great work ethic. He
always kept playing ... and got better by
playing in leagues and intramural sports."
Even if you are not shooting for the big
Intramural sports might just be for you. Experience, gender, year,
major: none of it matters.
leagues, intramural sports might just be
for you. Experience, gender, year, major:
none of it matters.
"It's a program that the whole student
body can get involved with," said senior
and Assistant Director of Intramural
Sports Ryan Phillips. "Some people have
been playing their entire lives, and others
have never played before."
Anyone can experience the benefits
intramural sports offers.
"It gives students a way to work in
teams and have fun while getting a chance
to exercise," said Assistant Director for
Student Leadership and Engagement
Emily Lott. "We really focus on the
learning aspect and having fun."
If you are intimidated by the time
commitment, do not be. Games are only
once a week.
Practice? We talking about practice.
Individual teams may decide to have
practices, but they are not a requirement.
What about the competition?
Intramurals are not like club sports that
compete against other schools. You never
have to leave your stomping ground.
Do not let fear hold you back. You may
evolve from some of the new experiences
intramural sports could offer.
"I went in expecting to play a position
I used to, like striker or an offensive
position, and I wound up playing goalie,"
said first-year intramural soccer player
Simon McLane. "I definitely grew from
the experience, though. It was kind of
frustrating at first (while) learning — but
then I really came to enjoy it."
Soccer and flag football are coming to a
wrap as winter approaches. Look forward
to spring when students hit the court for
volleyball and basketball.
Basketball has the highest participation
of all the sports offered, but not so much
among the ladies.
"They don't usually have a lot of girls on
the team, so they asked me to participate,"
said sophomore Cassie Vaughn. "Also, I've
always been interested in playing but never
had the chance to. With intramural sports,
you can do something you wanted to do in
high school or in life but never could, and
still be competitive but
not intense."
Sports, friends
and easygoing
fun: what more
could you ask
for? All you
need is two
things to get
in the game: an
insurance waiver
and a copy of your
insurance card.