Experience is not something Meg Schwartz, senior defensive specialist and biology major, lacks on the volleyball court. She has been playing volleyball since she was in kindergarten.

Although the Hornets did lack experience last season with no seniors on the team, this season is a different story. All but one team member have at least a year’s experience under their belts.

“We expect to go very far this year. With everyone returning minus one, we have great chemistry and are good friends on and off the court,” Schwartz said. “We need to improve on tough situations and being aggressive and on attacking the defense. We also need to improve on playing with a lead and finishing the game.”

In an interview with Don Weast, assistant director of Media Relations, after the Black and Gold Scrimmage, Schwartz said “it seemed like yesterday” she was moving into the dorms and having her first scrimmage.

“Having a crowd behind you makes it that much more exciting… makes you excited and wanting to play for them as well,” Schwartz said in the interview.

According to ESU’s athletic page, Schwartz received an All-MIAA honorable mention her sophomore year, averaging 4.46 digs per set. As libero she was ranked sixth in both single season digs per set and single season double figure dig matches.

Schwartz has also been active in basketball, softball and track throughout her athletic career. Although she didn’t get to compete at state during her high school years, she was still a standout volleyball player and knew that she wanted to go on to the next level after attending some camps and getting a feel for the atmosphere of college athletics.

Schwartz said she chose ESU because she liked the coaching style and the great history of the program.

She said she has enjoyed her time as a college athlete and has made many new relationships because of it.

“Amazing” is one word Schwartz said she would use to describe her team “because we are all such good friends on and off the court. The talent this year is more than I’ve ever seen since I’ve been at ESU.”

After Schwartz graduates from ESU she plans on going to occupational therapy school and getting her masters degree.

“The experience of being a college athlete and the relationships I have made are by far the highlight of my athletic career,” Schwartz said.

Volleyball at ESU has taught Schwartz many things, she said.

“I know I have to discipline myself and manage my time so I get everything done before I have to go to practice or leave for games,” she said.

The Hornets’ first game is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Aug. 31 in Pittsburg against William Jewel College.