Sometimes finding the right combination in a college and athletic program can be difficult. For Benjamin Logan volleyball standout Molly Vance, everything fell perfectly into place.
The senior followed her faith, her athletic ability and her love for children to continue her athletic career at Ohio Christian University near Circleville.
“My dream has always been to attend a small college and play college volleyball,” said Vance. “Both my parents were educators and I plan on keeping the family tradition alive. Everyone tells me I have a special gift with the young ones and I do love them. I am most excited about playing volleyball for OCU and their coaches.”
Vance has been involved with the Ben Logan volleyball program throughout her childhood, which made it even more meaningful for head coach Allison Reule to see everything come together for Vance.
“It will be a prefect fit for her,” said Reule. “She has dreamed of playing college volleyball since day one in third grade. Everything there has been perfect for her for volleyball and academics with what she wants to be doing in life. She is very involved in her church, so that fits great, too. She can get help on campus for academics if she needs it and has already made friends on the their team.”
Ohio Christian University competes at the NAIA level . The Trailblazers compete in the River States Conference. Vance has already developed a rapport with the program and her future teammates.
“During my tour some months ago, Coach (Rachael) Bailes made me feel very comfortable as a freshman,” said Vance. “I also met the other girls on the team and they were all very receptive to me joining their program. Two girls on the team and I have developed a special relationship and continue to communicate daily.
“I feel very blessed to have this opportunity. Joining OCU is a dream come true. I get to enhance a deeper spiritual life as well as preparing me for my future, and I get to play volleyball, the sport I truly love.”
Vance has been a major contributor during her prep career for the Raiders. She was a three-time Central Buckeye Conference second-team selection. Her season season, Vance was a District 9 second-team pick after recording 200 kills, 175 digs and 14 blocks.
Reule feels Vance could see the court sooner rather than later for OCU as an outside hitter or middle blocker.
“She has gone to some open gyms for them over the summer,” said Reule. “They’ve been pretty impressed by her. Her coach has talked to me a little and they know she is a hard worker and her dedication is unquestionable. I think she could play right away and in talking to her coach she could come in right away and help.”
Between being a multi-sport athlete, Vance is also involved in National Honors Society and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. Reule feels OCU is getting an extremely committed player.
“First, she has played a ton of volleyball,” said Reule. “She has played club volleyball since she was 10 or 11 years old. She was the manager for our high school team when she was in middle school, so she just has a ton of experience. Second, whenever she does something she is fully committed. She missed one day in six years between middle school and high school. And that one day was a conditioning day because she went to a college combine and she felt terrible for missing our work out.