It was a challenge that most volleyball players might shy away from or approach with extreme apprehension.
With the University of Virginia’s College at Wise off to a rocky start, first-year head coach Kendall Rainey decided to move senior Ruth Hoover to a new position a few weeks ago.
Hoover would make the switch from outside hitter to libero, becoming the defensive ace of the Highland Cavaliers and continually taking on all the powerful hits that the opposition had to offer.
It also meant she had big shoes to fill. Former libero Britney Lawson was one of the most decorated players in UVa.-Wise history when she played that position from 2005-2008.
“It makes it a little tough,” Hoover said. “Just everything [Lawson] did, she was good at. She put in 100 percent. Anybody that comes here to play that position has big shoes to fill. That’s your job and you have to play your best.”
Hoover has been more than an adequate replacement thus far. Through the first 14 matches of the season, Hoover hustled her way to 173 digs and impressed her teammates and
head coach.
“She plays it all out and I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Rainey said. “She will not let the ball hit the floor. There’s no holds barred with her.”
Versatility has been one of Hoover’s primary traits since she arrived on the UVa.-Wise campus four years ago. She was a middle hitter during a standout career at Craig County
High School in New Castle, Va. She initially played outside hitter for the Cavs, but showcased her tenacity on the back row as well.
She played a little libero last year when Lawson was sidelined with an injury. That audition turned into a full-time job this season and one that hasn’t overwhelmed her.
In fact, Rainey said it’s no coincidence that UVa.-Wise’s recent hot streak – the Cavs had pieced together three straight wins before losing to Appalachian Athletic Conference rival
Milligan on Tuesday – coincided with Hoover’s position change.
Rainey also says Hoover’s value goes beyond the stats that appear in the nightly boxscore.
“She’s done an incredible job being a leader,” Rainey said. “Just leading by example; the determination that’s evident when she steps on the court in practice, weight room or anything we’re doing is a real motivational tool.”
Hoover, who along with Kayla Dougherty are the lone seniors on the UVa.-Wise roster, will revert to tough love when needed.
“We’re taking the underclassmen under our wing,” Hoover said. “Between me and Kayla, we handle it. Kayla’s really the nice, sweet senior and I’m the one that tells them what they need to do when it needs to be done.”
Hoover is one of the lone holdovers from the UVa.-Wise squad that reached the 2007 NAIA national tournament.
“It was really nice. It’s probably something that happens once in a lifetime for a team,” Hoover said. “It’s a big difference, all the teams being there and everybody is so good. They had probably been there way more than we did. It was like we had gone to Disney World.”
Hoover is currently playing her part in helping UVa.-Wise return to respectability and the top of the AAC.
“I wish I had another year,” Hoover said. “I still have another year in me, but that’s just how it goes.”
thayes@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2570
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