Knoch’s Mock opts for Bloomsburg
JEFFERSON TWP — Sierra Mock isn’t just all about volleyball.
She’s all about staying busy.
The Knoch senior not only plays volleyball throughout the year — between high school and club — she takes four classes a day at Knoch, works at Starbucks and coaches youth volleyball for a club known as Elevation.
“I’m pretty busy, but I like it that way,” she said.
“Our family has a dairy farm and Sierra helps out there too, when she can,” her mother, Dawn Mock, said.
Sierra’s dedication to volleyball paid off recently as she signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and volleyball career at Bloomsburg University.
Lock Haven, Pitt-Johnstown and Shepherd were among the other schools she considered. Mock plans to study nursing.
“The campus (at Bloomsburg) is absolutely gorgeous,” Mock said. “I got to experience a lot of interaction with the team. I did an over-night with them, got to know them ... It’s a great group of girls.
“I can’t wait to get there and help the team win.”
The Huskies have struggled in recent years, putting together a combined 43-100 overall record, 22-57 in Pennsylvania State Athletioc Conference play over the past five seasons. Bloomsburg was 9-18, 5-9, last fall.
Dan Krieger has been Bloomsburg’s head coach for six years. The Huskies had six seniors on the roster last fall, one junior, six sophomores and 12 freshmen.
“Division II volleyball suits Sierra,” Knoch coach Diane Geist said. “I think she can play right away and do some great things there. She is a very positive, upbeat person.
“Sierra always wants to get better. She never slacks in any moment in any game.”
Mock played all three front-row positions for the Knights, along with spending time in the back row as a multi-year starter.
“She was all over the court for us,” Geist said. “She prefers to play outside in the front row rather than middle.”
Mock said Bloomsburg likes her as an outside hitter.
“That’s fine by me, but I enjoy the back row, too,” she said. “I’ve gotten a lot of bruises of my knees and hips back there, but I love the intense play.”
Mock has been playing volleyball since age 11. She spent the last three years playing club for East Coast Power in Heidelberg. That program dissolved and she is playing for Renaissance this year.
“My goals are to mix in with my new team and learn how to play at a faster pace,” Mock said. “I like bonding with my team.
“Ultimately, I hope we contend for a national championship before I’m done playing.”
Mock comes from a Knoch program that’s been a consistent winner and has contended for district and state championships in its own right.
Can she carry such winning experience over to college?
“That’s the plan,” Mock said.
