Women's Volleyball 3/12/2021 10:00:00 AM by Rob Knox, Associate AD for Strategic Communications

Anderson Has Found A Home On The Volleyball Court

Women's Volleyball 3/12/2021 10:00:00 AM by Rob Knox, Associate AD for Strategic Communications

Anderson Has Found A Home On The Volleyball Court

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Watching Camille Anderson compete with passion and sending powerful blasts across the net consistently, one would be hard-pressed to believe that she wasn't interested in volleyball when she first started playing in fifth grade.

Before playing volleyball, talented UNC Greensboro (UNCG) sophomore outside hitter participated in gymnastics, soccer, and track.

Now, the volleyball world is grateful as is Spartan head coach Corey Carlin that the affable Anderson followed her father's suggestion.

"My dad told me he thought I could be good at the sport," Anderson said. "He wanted me to try it for at least one season. I did it and had a lot of fun playing with my friends. For me, meeting a bunch of different girls and I was hooked on the sport since then. For a while, I didn't know if I wanted to play in college or not. Now, I couldn't imagine myself not playing. I decided that is something I wanted to do."

UNCG returns to action after its bye week looking to build off last week's two victories over Furman. The Spartans welcome Wofford to Fleming Gym for a pair of games on Sunday at 6 p.m. and Monday at 5 p.m. It's the start of a three-game homestand for the Spartans, who host Elon Thursday at 6 p.m.

Through 10 matches, Anderson is one of four UNCG players with at least 60 kills. She has 61, which is fourth behind Maria Esch (142), Hannah Knier (80), and Brittany Wood (65). A native of Gainesville, Florida, Anderson had a season-best 10 kills against Mercer and nine against ETSU.

"Last year I wanted to be on the court more," Anderson said. "However, watching the older girls, I got a chance to learn more about how college volleyball works and the speed of the game. I got to watch different shots and I learned a lot from them. I have been able to take that into this year and apply it. I am happy with where I am at this year.

"I am feeling more comfortable and not afraid of the ball. I am learning how to hit a lot of different shots that I didn't last year. I am also learning to be more aggressive. It's been a big confidence boost to see what I've been working on has been paying off."

A kinesiology and pre-med major, Anderson got a first-hand experience of her future when she interned at the North Florida Regional Medical Center. She wants to be a family medicine doctor and possibly work in sports medicine.

"I was on the pre-operational floor and helping people get ready for surgeries," Anderson said. "I followed the nurses around. It was cool to be in there and learn about the different types of surgeries people are there for. It was cool to see some surgeries that when some people got out of them, they were already feeling better. It's amazing to see how fast and important of a change it was for the patients."

Away from the court, Anderson relaxes by spending time with her friends, family, and two dogs (a Staffordshire bull terrier and a Komondor). It's no surprise that as an aspiring medical worker Anderson's favorite television show is Grey's Anatomy. She recently finished binge-watching on Netflix "Ginny and Georgia." Before matches, Anderson listens to Lil Uzi Vert to get her hyped before she takes the court.

Anderson has the perfect mindset for navigating the COVID19 pandemic and all of its unpredictability that's cascaded from it.

"What helped me, is knowing that I can't control it or there's nothing I can do," Anderson said. "I wish we were winning more and COVID wasn't here. I am doing my part and what I can control is how I prepare for our matches. There's nothing more we can do so there's no need to get so anxious and upset about it."

In the meantime, Anderson will continue having fun and smashing balls across the net.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#7 Camille Anderson: OH; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#1 Maria Esch: OH; 6' 0"; Senior

#4 Hannah Knier: OH; 6' 2"; Sophomore

#15 Brittany Wood: OH; 5' 9"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#7 Camille Anderson
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: OH

#1 Maria Esch
: 6' 0"; Senior
: OH

#4 Hannah Knier
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: OH

#15 Brittany Wood
: 5' 9"; Sophomore
: OH

Schedule

Players Mentioned

Players Mentioned