SLIPPERY ROCK — Competitive volleyball is all Megan Little has known since she was in the seventh grade.

Back then as a middle school player, raw and rough around the edges, Little had no idea just how much volleyball would mean to her.

She does now.

Volleyball means so much to Little that it impacted her choice of colleges.

Little picked Westminster over Penn State University because of a better opportunity to play the sport she loves.

“Intramural volleyball just wouldn’t have been the same,” Little said. “I love the competition too much.”

Little, who was a standout libero for the Slippery Rock High volleyball team and finished her career for the Rockets with two team records in passing and digs, was being recruited by Pitt-Bradford, Chatham College and Geneva College before deciding on Westminster.

The Titans are coming off a 22-11 season and will have a hole to fill at libero next season.

“I know it’s going to be a lot of work,” Little said. “I’m not expecting anything. I know I’m going to have to be really dedicated and put a lot of time in, but I think I can do it. I’m excited.”

Little said much of the reason why she has been able to excel on the volleyball court belongs to former Rockets coach Greg Dugan, who resigned after this season.

“I’m honestly just grateful to Coach Dugan for all he has done for me in my four years,” Little said. “I wouldn’t be the player I am today without him.

“He cared about every single one of us,” Little added. “He pushed us and never gave up on us.”

Dugan said Little was the key to the Rockets’ success.

Slippery Rock didn’t lose a region game in the two years Little started as a libero.

“Without her passing, we’re not able to run our offense at all,” Dugan said. “Her passes are right on the money. She gets our offense going quickly.

“She’s perfect,” Dugan added. “She’s textbook.”

Little has not decided on a major, which also aided her decision to attend Westminster.

Little has stayed active in volleyball in the meantime, helping the middle school players in the Slippery Rock district.

She remembers being their age and having Slippery Rock High players come to help her.

“It’s crazy to think that was us at one time,” Little said, laughing. “I remember being scared to death when the high school players would come to help us. It was kind of intimidating.”

Little is trying to put the current crop of aspiring middle school volleyball players at ease.

“I just want them to have fun,” Little said. “I just hope they don’t give up.”

Little couldn’t give up. That’s why she’s going to be a Titan.

“There’s just too much about volleyball I’d miss,” Little said. “I remember beating Freeport (this season) and my teammates, I always had fun with all of them. It’s going to be fun at Westminster, too.”