Perfect timing
BUTLER TWP — The timing may be just right for Butler senior libero Gabby Lucas.
All her parents need to do is figure out their travel plans.
Lucas, daughter of Butler girls volleyball coach Meghan Lucas, recently signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and volleyball career at Grove City College.
She will become the third child of Craig and Meghan Lucas to be playing a sport in college simultaneously. Isaiah Lucas plays baseball at Allegheny College while Maria Lucas is a volleyball player at Shippensburg.
“It;s going to be tricky,” Coach Lucas said of watching all of their children's games. “We'll find a way.”
Gabby also considered Westminster and Saint Vincent before deciding on Grove City. She plans to major in elementary education.
“The academics there are outstanding for my field,” she said of Grove City. “They're graduating a multi-year starter at libero, too, so I've got a shot at that position.
“My goal is to play right away, but I know I'll have to work for it.”
Portersville Christian graduate Katie McClymonds was a libero for GCC last season and is graduating. The Eagles were 20-11 last fall, losing to Geneva in the Presidents' Athletic Conference Tournament and to Misericordia in the ECAC Division III tourney.
Leo Sayles is the new coach of GCC's volleyball program. He has 15 years of head coaching experience at the collegiate level, including eight years at Gardner-Webb.
Jenny Martin, a Mars resident, is a sophomore on the team.
“It's a solid program that's getting better. I'm excited to be a part of it,” Gabby said.
A club volleyball player for Revolution — her mother's organization — Gabby is a three-year letterwinner at Butler. She's been playing the game since she was a small child.
“Gabby made a smart choice,” Coach Lucas said. “The school is close by and she'll get involved in student teaching there.
“The volleyball is a good fit. Her position is open and she'll have the opportunity to play. She knows she has to aggressively go after it and she will. That's the type of player she is.”
In terms of her goals, Gabby said: “I want to continue becoming a better person and an all-around athlete. Volleyball is a team game and I want to do my part to make the team successful.”
While her mother coached her in high school and in club volleyball, Gabby said she's looking forward to Coach Sayles' tutelage.
“This will be a change in coaching for me,” she said. “It was great playing in Butler. This will be a new perspective from a successful college coach.
“It will be different, but I'll grow from the experience.”
