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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Setting It Up
9/27/2000 | Volleyball
Sept. 27, 2000
By David PedenSports Information Student Assistant
Ole Miss volleyball senior Renata Nowacki has come a long way from Stoney Creek, Ontario (Canada) to Oxford, Miss., and has seen her role on the Lady Rebel volleyball team come a long way over her career as well.
This season, Nowacki is the Lady Rebels' starting setter, which is the equivalent of a football team's quarterback or a basketball squad's point guard. After 13 matches this season, she leads the team in assists (545) and is second in digs (128), but her role as the squad's setter is more important than just numbers.
"I think this year, as a senior and the team's setter, I have to get everyone organized on the court and keep the team focused on our goals all the time," Nowacki said. "We are determined to succeed this year, and I have to keep everyone going in that direction."
Nowacki, who is not afraid to admit she's the vocal leader on the team, believes that if the team is going to win, she has to lead by example as well.
"In the past, we've set a lot of goals and have just not put in the time and effort to reach those goals," Nowacki said. "I have to show how committed I am to reaching those goals on and off the court all the time."
If the early season is any indication, Nowacki's play will speak for itself in 2000. She has been named to All-Tournament teams at both the University of Texas-San Antonio and University of Memphis invitationals. Against Kansas in the Jayhawks' tournament, Nowacki set a single-match career high with 63 assists.
Head coach John Blair has recognized Nowacki's importance to this year's squad.
"There is no question that Renata is our team leader," Blair said. "Her leadership goes far beyond her stats, too."
While her leadership role on the team has increased over the past four years, Nowacki has also adjusted to life in the South.
"It's different down here," said Nowacki. "It's taken me a while to get used to it. People move at a slower pace here, but it's been good. I've learned a lot about different people."
With Nowacki's experience and leadership, the Lady Rebels look to put up big numbers in the win column as Southeastern Conference play begins to heat up.