Coming off the winningest season in program history, Oklahoma Christian University’s volleyball team is determined to prove last year was only the beginning. With seven seniors, a roster full of experience, and a culture rooted in faith, the Eagles believe they can compete for both a Lone Star Conference tournament spot and a place in the national tournament.
Junior middle blocker Lauren Cary who transferred from Wichita State in the spring of 2024, said the program’s growth has her excited.
“Last year we had the winningest season in program history, and I am excited to continue and be even better this year,” Cary said.
She added that while wins matter, the Eagles never lose sight of their foundation:
“Our ultimate goal is to play for God and bring glory to Him as a whole,” Cary said.
For outside hitter Annabelle Davis, better known as Annie, she said the anticipation feels different this fall.
“We’ve been working really hard all preseason, and I feel like we’re building something really special,” Davis said.
She emphasized that each year brings new opportunities, but this team feels especially promising because of its depth and competitiveness.
Both players described the Eagles as a group defined by unity and balance. Cary pointed to team chemistry, noting that the players are quick to refocus and support each other on tough days, while Davis highlighted versatility as a key advantage.
“We don’t rely on just one player, but everybody has something to bring to the court, whether that’s hitting, serving, defense, or leadership,” Davis said.
Head coach Asa Freeman agreed, calling this one of the strongest teams he has coached at Oklahoma Christian. He pointed to the mix of experienced leaders and energetic freshmen as a formula for success.
“Our physicality has improved from the past few years,” Freeman said, adding that high energy and strong leadership have already set the tone for the season.
He acknowledged, though, the biggest challenge lies in avoiding self-inflicted mistakes.
“When we play clean, we’re a really good team. Eliminating errors and focusing on controlling what we can control will be huge.”
Part of what makes volleyball at Oklahoma Christian unique is the atmosphere of a small school, where the community’s support is personal. Davis said she loves the atmosphere of the team’s tight-knit connection:
“At a small school, everyone knows you, and people genuinely care about how the team is doing. You don’t just play in front of random fans—you’re playing in front of your teachers, classmates, and families you’ve grown up around,” Davis said. “It makes the gym feel personal and gives us extra energy.”
Cary echoed this sentiment, explaining that transferring from a larger university showed her the value of playing in a closer community where support feels genuine.
The team has also embraced identity words to guide them through the season. Cary chose “unity,” describing it as essential for both performance and faith. Davis’s word is “driven,” reflecting the team’s motivation to push themselves to higher levels. Freeman added that Romans 11:36 has been the program’s guiding scripture, paired with themes like accountability, discipline, and integrity.
As the Eagles head deeper into their season, Freeman said the most important thing the Oklahoma Christian community can do is show up and cheer.
“We want to fill the stands. The more that show up, the more we feed off the crowd,” Freeman said.
For a team fueled by unity, balance, and faith, this season is about more than just wins. It’s about building on history, leaning on each other, and bringing pride to the Oklahoma Christian community with every match.
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