Sarah Lane has been a four-year member of both the Piedmont College volleyball and women’s basketball teams. In the last three years she has helped lead the volleyball team to an overall record of 62-49 while she helped guide the basketball team to a mark of 61-19. She will complete her undergraduate degree this year in Accounting with a minor in CIS and is currently carrying an overall GPA of 3.85.
1. What is it like to compete in both volleyball and basketball here at Piedmont College?
It is really a lot of fun to compete in both sports. One of the best things about it is the chance I get to become friends with so many different teammates. Piedmont is a small school and it is really nice to get to know and become close to so many girls. I really enjoy the travel because we always become closer friends and teammates on the road.
2. What are the challenges academically of playing two sports?
The biggest challenge is the time management. I find that I have to really use my free time for homework. That may mean doing work around lunchtime to make sure I am ok to practice in the evenings. It also means doing homework on the bus or in the hotels but all in all it is definitely worth it.
3. What are the biggest differences athletically between volleyball and basketball and how do you handle the transition?
Volleyball is explosive steps for a shorter period of time. Basketball is more of constant running for a long period of time. I usually find it takes me a few practices to get back the steps I need for basketball after volleyball season.
4. What does the upcoming volleyball season look like for the Lady Lions?
We have had only a few practices but so far we look really solid. We have some big shoes to fill with the loss of Jacque DeMarrais, Mandi Harmon, Maja Ostijic and B.J. Ostrzycki but we brought in five talented freshman and the returning players are really practicing with high energy so I think we will be a tough team this year.”
5. How did it feel to play in the NCAA Tournament last year with the basketball team and what does this season look like?
It was a once in a lifetime experience that we are striving to repeat this year. The gym we competed at was packed more than any gym I have ever played in. It was a great feeling to know that we were one of the elite teams nationally. This year we are returning everyone so the expectations are high. We are hoping the experience we gained from a year ago will motivate us to chase another automatic bid into the NCAA’s.
6. So honestly what is more fun, spiking a point in volleyball or draining a three-pointer in basketball?
It is was to hard to pick one over the other! In volleyball you hit the ball as hard as you can and it is an instant rush of excitement. In basketball you have to use more finesse to make the shot but both are even more exhilarating when you do it in a close game or match.”
7. What are you going to miss the most after this year?
I will miss the closeness I have formed with my friends and teammates. I love being able to just walk next door or down the hall and hang out with my friends and I think that will be the hardest thing a year from now.
8. What advice would you give an athlete who is contemplating playing two sports at Piedmont College?
I would tell them to stay on top of your time management immediately, if you fall behind you will spend all your time trying to catch up. I would also say to not be afraid to go up to people you don’t know and become friends with them. College is so different from high school because the friendships you make in college last forever. The final thing is to not take a single day for granted because I promise you it will be over before you know it.
