Leonard, Nolly named to D-2 national team

ARKADELPHIA -- Two Ouachita Baptist volleyball players will follow in the footsteps of senior Kori Bullard this summer with their places on one of two USA Volleyball D-2 National Teams.

Junior Stormi Leonard and sophomore Adrianna Nolly were among 20 players selected this week for the two D-2 national teams to tour Brazil in May. Bullard, a graduate of Lake Hamilton, was among the 20 players selected for the first two USA D-2 teams in 2017.

Ron Smith, of USA Sports Tours & Events, announced 10 players to the USA Red team and 10 more to the USA Black team. Leonard and Nolly were both named to the Black squad.

"I think that this will give us a whole new outlook at competition," Leonard said. "We are going to get to see people that we have never seen get to play. It will also give me and Adri an opportunity to build a stronger connection on the court."

"This is an amazing opportunity and I am excited that I get to go," Nolly said. "I'm excited that I get to travel and compete with one of my teammates in a different country. I can't wait to experience the Brazilian culture and to compete against high level opponents."

Bullard said she was contacted by Smith earlier this year and told Leonard and Nolly were being considered for selection.

"I told Mr. Ron how much I enjoy being their teammate and how much energy they bring to the floor," Bullard said. "Mr. Ron said, 'Your people are my people,' and he wants more athletes from OBU due to that."

The tour is scheduled for May 14-23. The teams will have orientation in Orlando, Fla. before departing to São Paulo, Brazil.

"I am very excited that Stormi and Adrianna will get to experience playing in Brazil and will get to represent Ouachita Baptist in the process," said Ouachita head volleyball coach Allison Frizzell-Kizer.

"For them to play the sport they love in a new culture with new teammates will be a lifetime experience. This exposure of education will give them tremendous growth on the court and in life. We are very proud and honored that these two hardworking student-athletes get to represent Ouachita Baptist."

Leonard is a three-time All-Great American Conference selection. The junior from Decatur, Texas, was Ouachita's leading setter last season.

Nolly was named the GAC Freshman of the Year in 2016 and was named to the All-GAC team in both of her first two years. The sophomore out of Lake Dallas High School in Corinth, Texas, led the Tigers in hitting percentage at .327 and blocks with 91 last year.

"When I heard of their selections, I was so excited," Bullard said. "It's funny because since I met Stormi, she called me 'mom.' The next year, once Adri got here, Stormi and I adopted her into our family. She calls me 'mom' too.

"So, we all joked about their selections and said, 'Like mother like daughter,' and, 'Following the family legacy.' I couldn't be happier for those two. They are two of my closest friends and I can't wait to see their success and hear about their trip."

Bullard led the Tigers with 330 kills in her senior season, while Nolly finished second with 292. Nolly has 505 kills and 156 blocks so far in her career.

Leonard finished last season with a team-leading 1,206 assists and averaged 10.58 assists per set. She has 3,430 assists in three seasons.

"I think the most valuable part of the tour to them will be building confidence to bring back to OBU and the GAC next year," Bullard said. "Being selected to play on such a huge stage is great for confidence and helps a student-athlete to recognize their potential.

"Realizing you have the ability to play on an international stage helps you to realize your talent level. I think it will be very beneficial for them to bring those killer attitudes to the court next year."

The Red and Black squads will practice on May 15 in the city of Jundiaí, about north of São Paulo. Their first matches will be on May 16-17.

Bullard was a member of the Black team in 2017 with players from eight colleges and universities hailing from seven different home states, as well as one member from Australia. The team went 2-2 in Brazil against one professional team and three club teams.

"My advice for them would be to enjoy the experience to the fullest, live in every moment and make valuable connections," Bullard said. "My 2017 teammates still check in with me and that's the best part of the journey. I now have friends from all over the nation and those connections are amazing."

Both Red and Black teams will compete in the International Challenge on May 19 in Rio de Janeiro against top under-22, adult and professional club teams in the area. Team members are allowed the travel the area and visit landmarks in the region when they are not competing.

"It's an opportunity that we could not pass up," Leonard said. "I'll take away an appreciation for both the sport and the culture of Brazil."

The Black team is represented by seven different colleges and universities from around the country. Leonard and Nolly will be joined by four other GAC athletes and coaches.

Jennifer Eubanks and Hannah Williams will represent Northwestern Oklahoma State, while Mikayla Watson will represent Oklahoma Baptist. The head coach of the Black team is Brianna Barry, of Southeastern Oklahoma State.

"It will be fun getting to make new friends that we will get to compete against during the regular season," Leonard said.

Sports on 04/08/2018

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