Each volleyball team may be classified with some of the same things: practice, games, road trips, smelly uniforms and someone yelling, “Got it!” But, one thing other teams don’t have is junior middle blocker Melissa Harper, a.k.a. The Harperator.
Harper comes to WTAMU from the Grand Canyon State of Arizona.
Her volleyball career began in the seventh grade.
From that point she decided to take it to the next level with club volleyball.
“I played basketball in middle school, but decided not to play in high school because I was playing volleyball year round with regular season, club, and sand,” Harper said.
While Harper attended Peoria High School, she was honored with an All-State Honorable Mention, first team all-Region and team MVP.
Those honors and the recruiting staff at WT catapulted her to the Panhandle of Texas where she appeared in 26 matches her freshman year.
“WT stood out to me because of the feeling I got when I came here,” Harper said. “The atmosphere was amazing with all the fans and boosters. “
Harper is now in the middle of her third season as a Lady Buff.
In her tenure as a college-athlete, Harper has earned first team all-Conference, first team all-Region, and MVP of the conference tournament in 2007.
She works hard to improve and help the younger players adjust to the college setting.
“Melissa sets an example for the freshmen and younger players because she always gives 100% either in practice and in games, “ said Erika Dupree, freshman setter.
Although Harper is continually working hard to improve her skills on the court, she thinks the game of volleyball has taught her much more than how to spike a ball. It has taught her responsibility.
“We have deadlines each and everyday,” Harper said. “I feel we have been forced to mature and learn how to take criticism and change what we are doing.”
The Lady Buffs haven’t had to make many changes this season since they are currently undefeated in conference with 11 wins and a 28-4 overall record.
This week, WT will wrap up their regular season with two home games versus Texas A&M-Kingsville, and Tarleton.
