Sept. 4, 2001

by Kevin Walsh,
Sports Information Assistant

When you walk into one of the Fighting Illini volleyball practices, you might think that you have stepped into the wrong practice. The speed and the height of the players makes you wonder if this is the right sport.

Instead, you have just been introduced to one of the keys to Illini volleyball this season, sophomore middle blocker Lisa Argabright.

At 6-foot-5, this Louisville, Ky., native is an intimidating force patroling the net. Argabright chose volleyball over basketball because "volleyball is more complex, more intense and a better overall fit for me."

Argabright sat out her first year as a redshirt freshman, which she says was "the best decision by far," in order to mentally and physically improve her game.

According to Head Coach Don Hardin, Lisa's year off helped because "she was able to gain 20 pounds, learn better dietary habits and come back more committed and emotionally mature."

In addition, she was able to work out a demanding schedule that allowed her to balance not only her academics and new found independence, which is enough of a challenge for any freshman away from home for the first time, but the demands of a Division I volleyball program as well.

Assisting Lisa was the fact that her parents supported and stayed with her.

"I was very up and down emotionally that first year," Argabright said. "But by redshirting I was able to go home and do more with my family, which for me, was very big."

During the redshirt season, Argabright's family traveled to matches, both home and away, to lend support.

"My family has been incredible and has played a huge role, both on and off the court," Argabright said. "They were there when I was thinking I might not make it. My mom and dad helped me weigh out the pros and cons, but then sat back and let it be my decision."

That has turned out to be a wonderful decision. During the summer, she stayed on campus so she could continue to excel as a player and, as Hardin says, "there is a noticeable difference in Lisa, she has been one of the most improved players since last year."

Argabright credits that success to playing alongside her teammates all summer. It gave her a chance to play consistently while working with setter Betsy Eiserman in order to get in sync for the right placement and timing on her sets.

This year, after working with Coach Hardin and Eiserman, Argabright will be attacking the net stronger and getting off better shots as well as blocking better.

"I am slowly but surely learning to use my height more," Argabright said. "That helps create better opportunities for both me and my teammates to capitalize."