The Pensacola State volleyball team has signed nine players to fill out their 2020-21 roster. We will take a closer look at three players per week. Continue reading below to learn more about the last trio of players.
Kaytie Rutland
Rutland is a 6'1 outside hitter from Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The Ocean Springs High School graduate received multiple accolades including: MAC All-State First Team (2019-2020), MAC All-State Second Team (2018-2019), All-Region Team ('20, '19, '18) and MVP for the Mississippi North vs. South All-Star Game.
Why did you choose PSC?
I chose PSC because I have family in Pensacola and the Volleyball program is a perfect fit for me.
Who do you look to for motivation?
I look at my parents because they are both successful in what they do and always strive for what they want.
What do you bring to the team?
I bring a good attitude, good sportsmanship and always wanting to win.
Do you have any goals for your freshmen season?
Yes, I would like to be an asset to the team and for us to win the conference championship.
What is one thing you look forward to this season?
I look forward to playing volleyball with new girls and just having a great season.
What other colleges/universities were you considering?
I was looking at Pearl River Community College.
What is your major?
I am going to major in Nursing.
Lena Stockhammer
Stockhammer is a 5'9 setter coming all the way from Klagenfurt, Austria. She was a starter for the Austrian Youth National Team for multiple years and trained with the A-National team one summer. Last year her club team was national champion runner-up.
Why did you chose PSC?
When I first talked to Coach Jennie over Facetime, I immediately liked her. I believe that Pensacola State College has a really good volleyball team and I think that I will be able to grow as a player and as a person during my time here. It is definitely a dream come true to play in Florida and live next to the ocean.
Who do you look to for motivation? Do you have a role model?
I do not have one specific role model, but every time I see a good setter of a top team, I compare myself to her immediately. The opportunity to play like that one day motivates me a lot.
What do you bring to the team?
I'm a very responsible player and I'm also good at keeping a cool head in difficult situations. Off the court, I am a person who is in for every adventure.
Do you have any goals for your freshman season?
I hope to grow close to my new team in my freshman year and to improve my skills in volleyball. I also want to explore my new home.
What is one thing to look forward to this season?
I really look forward to meeting my new teammates and to have memorable victories together.
What other colleges/universities were you considering?
I was talking to a couple of other schools during my process, one of them being a college in Lakewood, New Jersey but in the end it didn't really fit and I knew PSC was going to be the right decision for me.
Cheyenne Strickland
Strickland is a 5'8 outside hitter who graduated from Vancleave High School in Vancleave, Mississippi. She won three State Championships in a row and was undefeated district champions her whole high school career. Strickland was named All-State twice while receiving an Offensive and Most Inspirational Award. She was also named her high school's Salutatorian.
Why did you choose PSC?
I chose PSC because I love the location. The school is close to the mall, the hospital and the beach. It is also only 2 hours away from home; therefore, my parents can come and watch all our home games. I also chose PSC because Coach Jennie made me feel so welcomed and made me feel so talented. She has been one of the only college coaches that really believes in me.
Who do you look to for motivation? Do you have a role model?
I am self-motivated, but when I feel the lack of motivation, I definitely look towards my sister. She is my role model because she was Salutatorian in high school and has graduated from the US Coast Guard Academy. She has always been the hardest worker I have ever known.
What do you bring to the team?
I bring grit, encouragement and full effort to this team. I do not like to give up and I will fight for every point. I am also very encouraging since I feel as though it is so important to make your teammates better rather than all about yourself. Lastly, I bring 100% effort because my coach and teammates give all their effort and I shall do the same.
Do you have any goals for your freshman season?
My goals for my freshman season would be to earn a starting position on the team, to achieve a higher vertical and to win a conference title with the team.
What is one thing you look forward to this season?
I look forward to learning more about the game and becoming a better defensive/offensive player. I look forward to creating bonds with all the teammates and traveling to different schools.
What other colleges/universities were you considering?
I was looking at some other JUCO schools and some D2's, but PSC was my first offer and it felt very right to pick PSC.
What is your major?
I want to major in Pre-Medical with a focus on chemistry.