Grace Sullivan Setting the Court; Senior achieves 1,000 assists

Ashley McDermott ’26

Sports Editor

Volleyball started for Setter #14 Grace Sullivan ‘25 when she was growing up in Texas. At age 10, she began with a Pre-Club Program, then played Club Volleyball from ages 12 to 17. Upon being recruited to Trinity, Sullivan felt welcomed by coaches and “really loved the school. It took me a while to decide, but once I did it was the right fit.” Her first year was characterized as a “whirlwind” with the seniors that year emerging from COVID, yet her first season was especially memorable due to being a part of a “big incoming class, was great to come in with a bunch of people.” For preseason, it often feels like “summer camp.”

With days full of practice and training the athletes find that it builds bonds and momentum that last throughout the season. “It’s great to focus on just the sport before anything else kicks into gear.” The fall semester is sentimental all around for the team. Sullivan specifically mentions how “There’s a long year ahead, and so much of college was volleyball. The season is packed and it goes by so fast.” Being able to enjoy this time with teammates and coaches is a priority and privilege for Sullivan.

Some highlights for Sullivan came from the game against Williams College on Friday, September 20. “It was a great game to start the season with.” This preseason had been different from others in previous years. By the end of their two-week preseason, the team’s anticipation and stamina had heightened. For the first NESCAC game, the team played Williams. For their first conference game, the team crushed their opponent in a 3 to 1 win. Sullivan recalls some highlights from the season thus far, noting that “even when emotions run high, it is nice to see consistent game play.”

The successful games could not have been possible without the hard work applied in practice. There have been many “memorable moments from practice,” according to Sullivan, “and getting to see those moments translate into the game, or even when they do not, there’s always something we can celebrate and work on.” The ability to achieve 1,000 assists within a career is based on individual perseverance, as well as team effort. An assist within volleyball is recorded when the player sets, passes, or digs the ball to the other player, who is credited with the kill. For Sullivan, this achievement has been a collective effort. “I wouldn’t be able to do it without them. I am a setter, so I will not get an assist unless somebody else makes a point.” The staff that has granted Sullivan and this team the support and encouragement they needed have left a lasting impact on these athletes. “Our coaches are good people, they care about us as individuals and as athletes which, to me, is really special.” The volleyball team won both of their games on Saturday, October 5 with 3 to 0 shutouts against Worcester State and Nichols. They will play fellow NESCAC Tufts at home on Friday, October 11. Come to the Ray Oosting Gym to show your support!