THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Michelle Lawrence was a bit anxious about meeting her new Cal Lutheran volleyball teammates.
Having transferred to CLU from Colorado State this season, Lawrence wondered how they would accept a former Division I player.
She wondered if they would view her as a threat to their playing time or as a disruption to their team chemistry.
"I was a little nervous because of previous experiences that I have had. But after the first week, all the nervousness was put aside and I realized these girls are great people and have no vendettas or anything," Lawrence said. "They have welcomed me with open arms and have been absolutely great. I've already made some really strong relationships."
Lawrence has provided CLU with a dynamic all-around threat.
The 6-foot-3 sophomore outside hitter is averaging a team-leading 4.00 kills per set with a .312 hitting percentage. Both rank third overall in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Lawrence is also averaging 2.98 digs per set.
CLU, ranked No. 2 in the nation, improved to 15-1 and 4-0 in SCIAC play after sweeping No. 19 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Redlands over the weekend.
Despite her Division I background, Lawrence didn't expect to be automatically inserted into the lineup.
"I didn't have any assumptions coming in, honestly," she said. "I just wanted to come in and prove myself. I felt a weight on my shoulders being a Division I player, but honestly, I didn't come in thinking I would be starting or playing. I came in saying I wanted to work my butt off to prove I want to play."
Lawrence didn't leave Colorado State because of lack of playing time or frustration with losing. It was quite the contrary.
Lawrence helped CSU finish 28-2 last season, capture its fifth straight Mountain West Conference title and reach the NCAA tournament for the 19th consecutive year. The Rams peaked at No. 9 in the nation after winning their first 27 matches.
Although only a freshman, Lawrence finished second on the team with 2.89 kills per set while hitting .280.
But after the season, Lawrence decided she no longer wanted to play at CSU and began looking at Division III and NAIA programs in California.
Cal Lutheran was high on her radar. Aside from the quality of the program, CLU had an advantage no other school could offer - Lawrence's boyfriend, Zach Loza, plays water polo and swims at CLU. They both graduated from Northgate High in Walnut Creek.
"As soon as I met with coach (Kellee Roesel), I knew that I fit here and I wanted to play for her," Lawrence said. "It really made me want to come here."
Lawrence's volleyball career may never have taken root if not for a fateful decision she made in junior high.
During the fall season, she was offered the chance to play either flag football or volleyball.
"I ended up choosing volleyball. I don't know how far flag football would have taken me," Lawrence said with a laugh. "But once I entered high school, it was down to volleyball and basketball because I was too tall for other sports. Basketball had some big girls, so I stuck with the non-contact sport."
CLU reached the national championship match last season before falling in an epic five-set loss to Calvin. Lawrence didn't get the chance to experience the journey and she's willing to do whatever it takes to help the Regals return this season.
"My goal is to bring competition to the court every day whether it's in practice or in a game," Lawrence said. "I just want to give it my all and be there for my teammates and show them I want it because I know they want it."
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