Alex Holston played well in high school, but she never thought her success would translate to the college game so quickly.
Florida’s freshman right-side hitter has proven to be a valuable contributor already this season.
“I think it’s crazy; I never really imagined it,” Holston said. “I didn’t know these games were so huge like that, but I think they’re a lot of fun.”
Holston received more than 40 offers to play college volleyball, but she said she committed to Florida in September of 2011 because of its rigorous Southeastern Conference schedule.
In Florida’s loss to Missouri — the Gators’ first loss in more than a month after winning 13 consecutive matches — Holston outplayed her teammates and competitors with a career-high 17 kills.
She also recorded a hitting percentage of .583, second only to Missouri freshman middle blocker Julia Towler, who notched a .667 clip during the match.
“It is nerve wracking,” Holston said of playing against elite opponents. “I usually get nervous in the locker room.
“But then by the time we’re warming and running around the court, I’m fine and I know that I’m where I need to be and that I can start focusing on the game.”
Holston’s nerves have not held her back this season.
After she helped Florida sweep Texas A&M and Alabama during the first weekend of October, she was named the SEC Freshman of the Week.
Holston totaled 18 kills with just one error in each of the matches.
“Alex has been great for us week after week,” coach Mary Wise said Monday.
“I think after this past weekend, I can’t imagine her staying under the radar as some people have had her.”
During a home match against Kentucky on Oct. 11, Holston outplayed Gators redshirt senior middle blocker Chloe Mann.
Mann recorded a hitting percentage of .647 and 11 kills, while Holston notched a .667 clip and 13 kills.
Mann, a fifth-year senior, and Holston, a true freshman, have teamed to create a formidable duo for the Gators.
“She (has) come in and done her role knowing the game plan,” Mann said. “Just really showing the nation how amazing she is every time she comes on the court.”
Follow Erica A. Hernandez on Twitter @EricaAlyssa.
Alex Holston hits the ball during Florida’s four-set win against Western Michigan on Sept. 14 in the O’Connell Center.
