A sophomore at the University of Tampa, Danielle Selkridge is improving every day as a volleyball player.
When asked how to describe Selkridge in one word, UT Volleyball Head Coach Chris Catanach replied, “potential.”
“She is gifted with all sorts of athletic ability,” he Catanach.
Unlike most volleyball players, Selkridge began playing at an early age.
“I was eleven when my mom asked me if I’d be interested in playing volleyball, since my dad knew someone who was teaching kids how to play. I never thought it would have such a great influence on my life,” she said.
Standing at a towering 6 feet 2 inches tall, Selkridge is a presence that is easily identified.
“We always have her run out first, just to intimidate the other team. Don’t let her tall and physical frame fool you, though. She is one of the quietest, most laid back people I know,” said senior Meghan Sherman. “She has definitely come a long way since last year. She really came out of her shell when we went to Europe last year as a team.”
As a freshman for UT, Selkridge led the nation with a .444 hitting percentage en route to being named to the SSC-All Freshman Team and NCAA South Regional all-tournament team.
In her sophomore campaign, through 22 games, Selkridge has started in 15. She has totaled 149 kills and averages .81 blocks per set, second best on the team. In-mid October, she was named the Division II National Player of the Week, the first Spartan volleyball player to win the honor in seven years.
Selkridge has not taken the role as a vocal leader yet, but Coach Catanach said that is quite alright.
“She hardly says a word, but she will get more vocal as she grows,” Catanach stated. “The more experience and confidence she gains will lead to her transition into more of a vocal leader. That is a job for upperclassmen anyways.”
Sherman too has faith that Selkridge will be able to accept more of a vocal role as time goes on.
“How you come in as a freshman is nothing like how you will walk out after senior year,” said Sherman. “Danielle has already come a long way, but when she figures out how to balance her raw talent with her intimidation and mental toughness, it’s going to be unreal.”
Selkridge is extremely grateful for the opportunity to play volleyball in college, especially here in America.
“I feel privileged to be a Spartan and I thank God for opening the pathways that allowed me to become one. Especially since I came from an island, Tortola, where volleyball isn’t that prominent,” said Selkridge. “I’m still surprised at the level I have been able to reach as I was very raw my red-shirt freshman year and have my coaches especially to thank for the level I have now attained.”
There is no question that although the team has a dominant record of 19-3 this season, they have not played to their highest potential for most, if not all of the season thus far.
“We have had the challenge this season of everyone not being in sync for every game. The team has a lot of heart and I feel that the season is going to continue to go well,” said Selkridge.
Selkridge has personally stepped up her game a lot from last year.
“Last year Danielle was hit or miss; this year her kills per game have increased, she is a consistent offensive threat, and her ability to block shots changes the way teams play against us,” said Catanach.
Although she is laid back, Selkridge is self-motivated and “doesn’t require maintenance,” said Catanach. “She’s one of the hardest workers on the team and never complains,” he said.
Selkridge plans on finishing up her degree at UT and winning a national championship or two. After graduate school, Selkridge desires to work in whatever career path she decides on, and eventually move back to her native island. She is currently an undeclared major.
“Ultimately, I would like to move back home,” Selkridge said. “I love my island, and my family is very important to me and I would like to bring back whatever knowledge I have gained abroad to help my country.”
John Hilsenroth can be reached at jhilsenroth@spartans.ut.edu.