The University of Mississippi Athletics
Seniors Leaving a Lasting Legacy
11/27/2017 | Volleyball
By Brian Scott Rippee, OleMissSports.com
Two of the greatest volleyball players in Ole Miss history were honored on senior night last Wednesday against South Carolina. Lexi Thompson and Kate Gibson are littered across the Rebel volleyball record books.
"I have honestly tried not to think about it too much," Gibson said. "It is bittersweet. I am just thankful for this team, coaches and support staff. I am not ready for it to be over, but I am happy I am finishing with the people that I am."
The tandem has helped coach Steven McRoberts build the foundation for a program that is trending upward. The team has won 17 games this season heading into postseason play and finished with a winning record every season the two were on the floor. They won eight SEC games this season and 22 over the last three seasons.
"It gets really scary thinking about playing on your first team in fourth grade and then now it ends when you are the best you've ever been," Thompson said. "You be the best you can be and then it stops. I put in my mindset that I had nothing to lose in this last game. It could be my last. I just wanted to go after it. I didn't want to regret this season and I have really enjoyed it."
With the help of their teammates, the two were serenaded with a three-sets to one win over the Gamecocks in their final regular season home game.
The two have changed the culture of Ole Miss Volleyball with the business-like attitude they bring into the building on a daily basis. McRoberts credited them immensely for this, something that a lot of people on the outside don't see.
"Kate and Lexi are a huge part of this," McRoberts said. "It is going to be weird next August without them being around."
Each put up big performances in their final regular season game. Gibson notched her SEC-leading 20th double-double with 16 kills and 20 digs, while also compiling 3 service aces. Thompson chipped in 8 kills and 13 digs, a service ace and 3 blocks. It was a fitting culmination to a pair of decorated careers that have provided them memories that will last a lifetime.
"I think about the relationships that have come out of this," Gibson said. "I have played with some of my best friends. I am so thankful for the relationships we have."
They left it all out on the floor, just as they have done throughout their long careers in Oxford. Their names will be etched in the Ole Miss record books, solidifying the difference they have made for this program.
"I think it is pretty cool," Thompson said. "I will enjoy telling my kids one day about it. Look what I did in college. Other than that, I have always just tried my best and that was the outcome. It was really cool to see, but it wasn't necessarily the goal."
The team earned a berth in the National Invitational Volleyball Championships and will host the first and second rounds, giving the two more time on the floor playing the game that's given them so much. One thing is certain, Thompson and Gibson are two of the best in Ole Miss history. They've laid a foundation to build on in the future.
"They came in and got us really close [to the NCAAs]," McRoberts said. "They both have helped us get on the right track and pave the way for the future. Legacy isn't always about seeing the results right away. They both mean a ton to me personally and our program."
