Montgomery, Ala. – 2019 Southwestern Athletic Conference Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Bayle' Bennett is eager to begin her final season with the Alabama State volleyball team. Prior to the season-opening match against South Carolina State, take a look as we connect with the 2019 Preseason All-SWAC First Team selection in this senior spotlight.
 
Why did you choose Alabama State University?
Bayle' Bennett: I sent my footage to Coach Penny Lucas-White and she liked it. She did take a chance on me because my grades were not the best so Alabama State was one of the few schools who were willing to take a chance on me and allow me to play. I also wanted to go through the HBCU experience as well.
 
When did you begin playing volleyball? Why volleyball?
BB: I started playing volleyball in the fourth grade and I started playing club volleyball in the seventh grade. I started playing because I wanted to play a sport and I was tall plus I worked out with my dad sometimes so I was pretty strong.
 
What has changed from freshman year to now?
BB: I would definitely say that I am mentally and physically tougher. Not only from volleyball and Coach Lucas-White but also from being on my own so far away from home. I learned how to adjust living far away and how to support myself and my teammates by being a leader for them.
 
What do all the major awards that you have earned mean to you?
BB: All the awards mean a lot to me especially freshman year. Coming into the season was a really hard year for me, and I would not have made it through without Krysta Medearis. She was my backbone and I was hers as well so freshman year means a lot especially being the MVP. Junior year was just exciting, and it made me hungrier cause I want to win MVP again this season.
 
Bennett's major awards - 2019 Preseason SWAC Defensive Player of the Year ... 2019 Preseason All-SWAC First Team ... 2018 First Team All-SWAC, #SWACVB18 Tournament MVP, 2018 Preseason All-SWAC First Team … 2017 Preseason All-SWAC First Team … 2016 SWAC Freshman of the Year, 2016 All-SWAC Second Team (outside hitter).
 
What are your thoughts on your final season? Any particular game(s) you're looking forward to?
BB: I am very much looking forward to playing Alabama A&M. We talk to the girls over there sometimes and they are really cool but it is the best game of the season. It is really competitive, I know for a fact they have my number and we have a couple of their numbers too so it is going to be fun. I am excited about the season; we are looking pretty good in practice but there is always room for improvement.
 
Shout outs?
BB: I want to shout out my mom and my dad! They have supported me with everything I have been through. They have listened to me when I cried when I was happily screaming and they come down and visit me all the time. They are one of the biggest reasons why I keep my head on my shoulders during the season!
 
#BamaStateVB
The Lady Hornets season begins with the SWAC/MEAC Challenge hosted by Alabama State at Lockhart Gymnasium from Aug. 30-31. Alabama State plays South Carolina State (1 p.m.) and Florida A&M (7 p.m.) on the first day of the challenge. The Lady Hornets wrap up the weekend with a 3 p.m. contest against Delaware State on Aug. 31 at 3 p.m.
 
To view the complete 2019 volleyball schedule, visit bamastatesports.com.
 
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