#40Strong

I am a Texan, so you either love Texas A&M or Texas. And I chose Texas A&M. My older sister was an A&M fan, so of course I had to be one. Laurie Corbelli was an Olympian, and John Corbelli was an Olympic coach. What could be a better staff than that? During my recruiting trip, they showed me the amazing traditions and all of the great things Texas A&M had to offer outside of the volleyball court.

It was life-changing. Stacy Sykora became Stacy Sykora at Texas A&M.

I would wake up, dance, eat, dance some more, go to school, dance, practice, dance and then study and go to sleep. Typical college student’s life.

I played volleyball, basketball and I did the heptathlon in track.

I have a million memories that are all wonderful. I would have to say beating Texas at home in front of our amazing crowd can never be forgotten.

Like I said earlier, Stacy Sykora became Stacy Sykora at Texas A&M. I learned how to be a good teammate and not just a good player. I learned how to manage life while also being an athlete. I learned how to do upon others how I want others to do upon me. I learned how simple words can change someone’s life.

I was a two-time All-American in volleyball and the Southwest Conference champion in the heptathlon as a freshman in track.

With the staff that Texas A&M has, this program will only climb in success. They took me, a little girl from Burleson, Texas, and sculpted me into an Olympic athlete. I know that everyone who walks into that gym will leave not only a better volleyball player but a better person. I return yearly, and every single time there is more to offer at Texas A&M and at Texas A&M Volleyball. They are growing with the times.

In every interview, when I am asked what university I attended, I say Texas A&M and it is followed by a WHOOP! That's my involvement :)

Texas A&M changed my life. It turned sand into a diamond. It will always be special to me.