Before their season began, there was a tangible sense of excitement among the players on the Saint Louis University volleyball team.

“We had a feeling that this was going to be a great year,” junior setter Whitney Roth said. “We knew it was going to be fun.”

The whole team contributed to this landmark season. To be nationally ranked and have such success in the Atlantic 10 requires the effort of the whole team, from the coaching staff to the bench.

But, among this complete team effort, the contributions of junior outside hitter Sammi McCloud have been exceptional. A past recipient of recognition in the A-10, McCloud’s performance this year has been worthy of national attention.

Considering her talent, preparation for this year and supporting cast, this should not come as a surprise.

“Over the summer, I saw her dedication,” head coach Anne Kordes said. “I knew she was going to come out on fire.”

McCloud has remained on fire. She can be described as an all-around player-each match, her presence is felt in passing, serve-receive, blocking and hitting. At 6-feet 2-inches, McCloud is especially intimidating when it comes to hitting. The right side is where the outside hitter is most effective.

“She’s really versatile on the attack and can hit anything,” Kordes said.

Roth can also attest to McCloud’s proliferation on the attack.

“If the ball is coming to her, it’s going to get taken care of,” she said.

But McCloud has much more to offer to her teammates than mere talent. As an effective leader and communicator, McCloud has the opportunity to expand her influence beyond the time of competition.

Even if her game is “off,” McCloud says that she can always make a difference by talking to her teammates. It’s something she can do every day, regardless of circumstance.

“She can be a very vocal leader at times,” Roth said. “She knows when to talk and when to cheer.”

Volleyball provides McCloud the opportunity to practice her major, which, not surprisingly, is communication.

“I’m actually starting to understand why people react the way they do,” McCloud said.

The whole reason McCloud came to SLU in the first place can be attributed to the impressive team chemistry she noticed as a recruit from Columbia, Ill.

Not surprisingly, McCloud’s favorite part of playing volleyball for SLU is the experience that she has off the court-traveling and just hanging out with her teammates create plenty of memories.

“The five juniors and one senior are a really tight group. We all hang out together, and it’s actually an advantage,” McCloud said.

The advantage is apparent on the court.

“The longer you play together, the more you develop court chemistry. As the years have gone on, it’s almost like I know exactly where she is going. That’s very beneficial to know where she is at all times,” Roth said.

McCloud says she wants to coach volleyball after her graduation, but her coach says her potential for success is limitless, regardless of what she pursues.

“When you’re around her, you fall in love with her. She impacts everyone she is around,” Kordes said. “Whoever hires her is going to be lucky.”