Texas Tech University Athletics
Courtney Shines On, Off the Court
October 21, 2010 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 21, 2010
By: Jason Templeton, Texas Tech Athletics Communications
Balancing the challenges of keeping up with a dual major in Honors Arts and Letters and journalism, as well as bringing energy and hard-work to the volleyball court day in and day out, Caroline Courtney has been a solid contributor to Texas Tech on and off the court.
Courtney started playing organized volleyball for the first time in ninth grade which she says is already later then most college athletes. She had to learn fast, but Courtney seems to have a way of making everything seem manageable.
"I think I'm different than most people in sports when it comes to emotions before a game," the Bartlesville, Okla. native said. "Most people like to scream and dance and get pumped up, but I play best when I'm completely relaxed. So when I step on the court, I'm usually very calm and try to have a great time."
Her cool, calm, and collective demeanor glows off her and is evident within the first few minutes of being around her. Often times it may seem that she has way too much going on at a time, but she insists that she would rather be extremely busy then miss out on something potentially great.
When it comes to the task of balancing school and volleyball, Courtney should be viewed as an example for other student-athletes to imitate. On top of being a regular in the Tech lineup, Courtney has also compiled just under a 4.0 grade-point-average entering this fall semester.
"School and volleyball are equally important," Courtney said. "If I don't perform on the volleyball court, I don't have the same opportunities in school. Obviously school will be more important in the long run, but for now I have two jobs and they are both important to me."
The importance of both is evident in Courtney's resume. Besides being a member of the volleyball team, she at one point of her college career has been involved with the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Freshman Advisory Board, Student Government Association, and the Mortar Board. This fall she began work as a features writer for Tech's school newspaper, The Daily Toreador.
Courtney is also a two-time Academic All-Big 12 first team selection and has received honors such as the Greek Freshman of the year, the Oklahoma Jim Thorpe Award, and was also named a Wendy's High School finalist.
As well as all these accolades and accomplishments, Courtney is also active in the community whether it's in The Big Brothers and Sisters of Lubbock society or just simply being a Habitat for Humanity volunteer builder.
On the court, she has recorded 82 kills so far, fourth-highest on the team, while playing in all but one of Tech's matches this season.
When school and volleyball finally come to an end, Courtney would like to be traveling the world and reporting on current events for a major broadcasting network. She truly enjoys playing the piano but admits she hasn't had much time to play due to her busy schedule. She also will start training for triathlons when she finishes this year's season.
"My dad and I are applying for The Amazing Race the second I graduate, and I think we have a good chance of winning!" said Courtney.
Based off all her accomplishments, not many would probably bet against Caroline Courtney.
