Golden Falcons' Schmeltzer signs with Methodist

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on April 17, 2016 1:47 AM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

PIKEVILLE -- A year-long absence from playing her most passionate sport made Sydney Schmeltzer appreciate the "other" side of volleyball.

She learned about sportsmanship.

She became a stronger leader.

Most importantly, she pushed herself to come back better, faster and smarter so she could pursue her one dream -- playing college volleyball.

Schmeltzer made it happen.

The vivacious and talkative Charles B. Aycock senior signed to play next fall at Methodist University. The Division III school was her first -- and only -- choice.

"I've been waiting for this for a long time," Schmeltzer said.

Indeed.

Just before her junior year, Schmeltzer transferred to CBA. Less than a month into the season, she broke the top of her foot. The injury could have deflated her mentality, but she attempted to remain a positive role model for her teammates at each practice and on game day.

It was a rough season.

"I would still do touches on the ball at home, simple drills that didn't involve too much moving. Stuck in a boot for a few months? It was horrible," said Schmeltzer, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology and plans to become a physician's assistant.

"Sitting out) made me realize that I needed to do that because coming into my freshman year (at Methodist), I might not play. I might have to be the teammate ... the encourager, the person on the sideline just out there cheering. It was a good experience for me."

Once she could train again, Schmeltzer took the cardio route -- running -- to help strengthen her legs and increase endurance since she was the Golden Falcons' defensive specialist.

Schmeltzer logged 467 digs, an average of 6.4 per set, during her senior campaign. She reeled off 29 service aces, doled out 36 kills and compiled 111 points from the service line.

Aycock finished 11-11 overall and advanced to the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A playoffs.

"I was very happy with my senior year," said Schmeltzer, who credited her success to first-year head coach Roy Harrell and assistant coach Tangela Faulkner, who played at the University of Mount Olive.

Methodist head coach Eddie Matthews lost his senior libero to graduation. The vacancy gives Schmeltzer an opportunity to possibly step in and earn playing time as a freshman.

Schmeltzer's strengths are her communication, defense, court vision and serving. She can either utilize a jump serve or send over a floater that disrupts the opponent's offensive pace.

She developed those skills during travel ball season with Eastern Elite Volleyball Club.

The weakness?

Serve receive -- the master key to running a crisp, efficient offense.

"I really like the fast pace ... you control the game as much as you can," Schmeltzer said. "It's fundamental. A challenge. I'm a very competitive person and take losing to heart.

"What's that saying? I hate losing more than I like winning."

Methodist finished 20-10 overall last season, including 13-7 in USA South play. The Monarchs posted consecutive 20-win seasons in 2010 and 2011, have won 15 or more games in 10 of the past 11 years with Matthews on the bench.

But MU hasn't won a regular-season or tournament championship since it competed in the old Dixie Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Monarchs won the 1986 DIAC tournament and advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs. They took the "double" -- the regular-season and tournament crowns in 1988.