TUCSON, Ariz.-Six seniors on the Arizona Beach Volleyball roster will likely be graduating in May. In their time as Wildcats, these seniors have made an unbelievable influence on this system by way of their laborious work, dedication and dedication to their sport and to the group round them.
Mady Noble
Mady Noble performed for the Sand Cats in 2021 and 2022 and joined the Arizona teaching workers in 2023. In each roles, Mady has contributed her data and fervour to the staff all through her time at Arizona. In her freshman season, Noble made the 2021 All-Pac-12 All-Freshman Team and the 2021 AVCA Top Flight.
Memories of touring and taking part in along with her teammates maintain a particular place in Noble’s coronary heart.
“My first [favorite memory] is freshman 12 months taking part in with Dana on the Pac-12 championship at UCLA! We had a lot enjoyable taking part in collectively whereas beating a number of superb groups,” Noble mentioned. “Next would in all probability be after we went to Hawaii final 12 months. It was an incredible expertise that all of us bought to have with one another. I’ll always remember after we went cliff leaping and noticed sea turtles and a whale. It was general a wonderful expertise to share with the perfect individuals.”
Maki Bispham
Maki Bispham has exerted a optimistic affect each on and off the courtroom throughout her time at Arizona.
In addition to being a hardworking participant and devoted teammate, Bispham is a fellow for Team IMPACT, a nationwide nonprofit that connects faculty sports activities groups with kids experiencing continual sicknesses or disabilities. In this function, Bispham has had the chance to journey to and current at a nationwide convention, manage household occasions and be certain that Ximena, Arizona Beach Volleyball’s fantastic match by way of this system, is comfy and supported.
Bispham additionally earned Pac-12 All-Academic honors in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
She acknowledged the function of her assist system in getting her thus far.
“Some recommendation that I’d give my younger self is to take a step again each from time to time and respect all the things, all of the little issues as a result of it is simple to get caught up in taking part in and all that, however realizing how appreciative I’m of my physique, and my well being, and my mother and father, my teammates and coaches, individuals that do not normally get the popularity,” Bispham mentioned.
Grace Cook
Cook transferred from Missouri State to hitch the Wildcats within the 2023 season, and in her time at Arizona has made an unbelievable influence on this system. Cook has a profession report of 35-24 (.593) as a Wildcat, holding the No. 19 spot for individual profession wins at Arizona. Cook was additionally notably the all-time individual profession wins chief at Missouri State.
Cook expressed love and gratitude for the atmosphere at Arizona.
“[I love] the group and the environment at home video games. There’s lots of people and it is only a actually thrilling atmosphere to be in,” Cook mentioned.
An skilled participant and hard-working teammate, Cook mentioned, if given the chance, she would inform her younger self to “belief the method” and “be within the second.”
Abby Russell
In her 4 years as a Wildcat, Russell has made an amazing influence on the seashore volleyball program. Ever since becoming a member of the beginning lineup for the Sand Cats in her freshman season, Russell has constantly demonstrated her talent, ardour and work ethic.
For the previous two seasons, along with building a formidable wins report (she now sits at No.11 for all-time profession wins at Arizona), Russell has additionally earned Pac-12 All-Academic honors.
A Tucson native, Russell loves the group fostered on the UA and her proximity to her household.
“I’ve met so many greatest associates who’re additionally Wildcats,” Russell mentioned.
Russell, and fellow senior Hope Shannon, shared a favourite reminiscence from their time as Sand Cats: final season’s match in Hawaii and their hard-fought victory in inclement climate.
“Last spring, my accomplice Hope and I performed at Hawaii within the rain, and it was their senior night time and we barely gained and it was freezing and horrible climate however so enjoyable,” Russell mentioned.
Hope Shannon
After 5 years taking part in for Arizona, Shannon will go away behind a legacy of dedication, compassion and laborious work.
Not solely has Shannon established herself on the record of individual profession win leaders at Arizona, at present holding the No. 8 spot, however she has additionally demonstrated an adaptability and dedication to her staff, taking part in at quite a lot of completely different spots with a number of companions.
A frontrunner on and off the courtroom, Shannon has additionally earned Pac-12 All-Academic honors for the previous three seasons.
Like Russell, Shannon expressed gratitude for the supportive group at Arizona and shared an analogous fond reminiscence of final 12 months’s match in Hawaii, recalling the “electrical atmosphere” that made the match so particular.
In her 5 years as a Sand Cat, Shannon has grown each as a person and a participant.
“Advice I’d give to my younger self is to not be so laborious on myself and to let issues go the second I go away the sand,” Shannon mentioned.
Miranda Erro
Senior Miranda Erro, all through her time with the Sand Cats, has demonstrated her ardour and dedication to her staff and this system as a complete.
Apart from her stellar report as a Wildcat (at present No. 22 for individual profession wins at Arizona), Erro has additionally earned Pac-12 All-Academic honors in each season she has performed at Arizona.
Another Tucson native, Erro has a particular love for the group that surrounds her on the college.
“I like the group, my teammates, my coaches and simply being near home,” Erro mentioned.
