This year the Eastern volleyball team has freshman outside hitter Katie Kirby coming to them all the way from LaVerne, Calif.

Kirby says she is excited to be here and contribute to the team, which she did by earning All-Tournament honors at the Indiana State Quality Inn/ASICS Classic this past weekend.

Kirby said while it has been an adjustment moving halfway across the country, she is just taking everything in stride.

“It’s been an experience,” said Kirby. “It’s been a big change but I’m happy here and I like it.”

When asked how she managed being 2,000 miles away from home, Kirby said depending on how the volleyball season turns out, she may not be able to get home before Christmas.

“I miss my family and I miss my friends,” Kirby said. “But I’m not super homesick or anything; it doesn’t really faze me.”

Kirby said she chose Eastern because of the friendly atmosphere around the team and campus.

“I got a full ride (scholarship),” Kirby said, “And when I came for my visit (the returning members of the team) made me feel really welcome. The coaches really welcomed me, and I love the campus. The people here are great.”

While Charleston’s population is 21,710 compared to LaVerne’s 33,871, Kirby said she is enjoying the Midwest so far while adjusting to the biggest town within a 45- minute drive being Champaign instead of Pasadena.

“There’s not all that much out here, but people here are nice,” Kirby said.

Being a freshman, Kirby is not only adjusting to a new town, but also to the college experience, living on campus, having a roommate and getting adjusted.

When asked how she was dealing with that transition, Kirby said she was worried about getting lost during the first days of class, but she made it through just fine.

“It’s different,”Kirby said. “The first day of class I was terrified I was going to get lost, but I managed.”

Even though Kirby is far from home, she is ready for whatever the season will throw (or bump, set and spike) her way.

Brad Kupiec can be reached at 581-7944

or [email protected].