Courtney Van Haaften | Sports Co-Editor

Chelsea Clayton, a senior middle hitter from Early, IA, led the way for the Buena Vista University (BVU) volleyball team as they went 3-1 this past weekend in Elmhurst, IL. Clayton finished with 39 kills and 10 blocks throughout their 4-game weekend tournament and earned a spot on the all-tournament team.

Clayton decided to come to BVU because it’s close to home and in order to pursue athletics. She has been a member of both the women’s basketball and volleyball teams. As a senior, she has very high hopes for her last volleyball season.

“I have very high expectations. I think that we can at least finish in the top three in the conference. We do have a lot of new people on the team, but we already have great team chemistry which will take us far,” Clayton said.

Head Coach Lori Slight, who is in her second year at the helm, says that Chelsea is a dynamic presence at the net, both blocking and hitting.

“She is a very strong leader and has a lot of playing experience in our conference. She is one of those players whose attitude affects the team. She has been a very strong vocal leader this year,” Slight said.

Clayton thinks success this year will come down to confidence in the team’s ability to play.

“We haven’t always had the best volleyball program, but we’re trying to turn that around. I think we have amazing volleyball athletes,” Clayton said.

Along with high goals for the team, the coaching staff has high expectations for Clayton as well.

“I would love to see her be a player of the week as we have not had one since 2004. If we play well in the conference, I would love to have a first-team all-conference selection,” Slight said.

Clayton has had a very memorable career at BVU, and some of her favorite memories are just being with her teammates and having fun on and off the court. After graduation, she plans to apply to medical school and hopefully one day become a pediatrician.

Clayton and the rest of the Beavers are back in action tonight, Sept. 4, in Orange City against Northwestern College. Their first home game takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 10 against Bethany Lutheran beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Photo by Makensie Brown