Going from 13 kills in a Final Four match to coming off the bench just one season later was a tough break for senior outside setter Stephanie Ferrell.
But her determination to get back on top is now paying dividends for both Ferrell and No. 9 Florida (2-0, 0-0 Southeastern Conference) as they host No. 25 Florida State (3-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) tonight at 7 in the O’Connell Center.
Ferrell made the most of her opportunities at the Active Ankle SEC/ACC Challenge, racking up 20 kills and a .381 hitting percentage to earn the tournament’s Most Valuable Player Award.
“I try not to get too high or too low, but stay steady (emotionally),” Ferrell said. “But when I get a big kill, I can’t control myself.”
While Ferrell’s on-court celebrations are in the moment, her raw energy is fueled from overcoming adversity in her early days as a Gator.
Prior to the 2010 campaign, Ferrell transferred to UF from Hawaii, where she logged significant playing time for a Warriors squad that advanced to the 2009 Final Four.
Despite her experience, she was unable to crack the starting lineup and sat behind current redshirt senior Kristy Jaeckel and former All-SEC first-teamer Callie Rivers.
But it has been Ferrell’s work ethic that has impressed her coach.
“Stephanie actually did not go home after spring semester,” Wise said. “She stayed all of Summer A, all of Summer B, and even in the weeks and intercessions she was working out in that weight room.”
While Ferrell may be on the verge of a breakout season, she still has some work to do to get where she wants to go.
One aspect of her game that Ferrell still needs to work on is something that Wise describes as “streaky” play.
“What I mean by ‘streaky’ is that she’s going to generate those kills and make those plays, but will she hit over .350 every night?” Wise said.
”For Stephanie, she won’t be asked to carry the load, but she really is a huge part of this team in terms of what we ask from her.”
While the Gators may not be asking Ferrell to put the team on her back, last weekend proved she was more than capable of rising to the occasion.
If Ferrell can continue to put together performances like her MVP showing in the Active Ankle SEC/ACC Challenge, UF could make a legitimate play for its first national championship, a journey that continues with an experienced and talented FSU team tonight.
“She really knows it’s her last year and she wants to make it her best,” Wise said.
“It was just a matter of could she see herself at this point a year ago when it was so far away.”
Senior outside setter Stephanie Ferrell had 20 kills and hit .381 during the Gators’ home tournament this weekend. She earned the Most Valuable Player Award.
