Traverse City Record-Eagle

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  • Mike Eckert

    Gwen Frostic
November 19, 2009

Spencer to play at George Mason

TC Central standout signs with Patriots

BY MIKE ECKERT

TRAVERSE CITY -- Laura Spencer is a Patriot.

The Traverse City Central senior signed a national letter of intent to play volleyball at George Mason University on Wednesday. She had verbally committed Tuesday night.

"I was stressing over it a lot, especially last night making my decision," Spencer said. "But after I called them and committed, it was a huge weight off of my shoulders. Now I can just focus on other things the rest of the year."

Spencer, a 6-foot-2 middle hitter, had narrowed her schools to the University of Denver, North Carolina-Wilmington and George Mason.

"I visited there last weekend and I really liked the campus," Spencer said. "I love the D.C. area and the team chemistry was really good. Everything seemed to fit.

"I've always wanted to go out of town. I know people in the D.C. area, so I'll have support."

Spencer, a four-year varsity player, was on the Record-Eagle All-Region Dream Team a year ago while earning Class A All-State honors.

"She's come a long way," Trojans coach Tim Homa said. "She understood her abilities and she was challenged by the players on the other side of the net. It was a big incentive for her to out-play the middle lined up against her, which was always that team's No. 1 hitter. She improved every season.

"She's very deserving of this opportunity after working her tail off to get to this point."

Spencer had 350 kills, 167 blocks and 237 digs as a junior. She improved to lead the Trojans in all three categories this year, with 493 kills, 205 blocks and 282 digs.

George Mason first initiated contact with Spencer a year ago, but increased its interest after seeing her play for her club team last winter out of Grand Rapids.

Like most people, Spencer's only knowledge of George Mason was their improbable run to the Final Four in men's basketball in 2006.

"I really had never heard of them before then," Spencer said. "All of their sports are really good. Their facilities are great. And, they have a men's volleyball team also. I think having that really helps the girls' team a lot."

Academics were also important, as Spencer plans on majoring in biology before continuing her education in vet medicine or public health.

"They're really strong in academics, which was a high priority for me," Spencer said. "I think I'll have some good opportunities there."

Opportunities should also come on the volleyball court.

"They said they need a freshman that can start right away," Spencer said. "They have a senior who is graduating and they need someone who can fill her spot. They have two other ones, but I think I can compete."

Having a chance to compete right away was a selling point.

"Definitely," Spencer said. "I want to play. And it's a competitive school with a competitive schedule. I'll like the Colonial League a lot. It's a good size for me."

Spencer will play tennis again in the spring for the Trojans and will compete with her club volleyball team this winter in Grand Rapids. She will be joined on the team by TC Central teammate Meredith Aja, who is also looking to play volleyball at the collegiate level.

"I did it last year and it's really worth it," Spencer said of the club team. "You get great competition and it really improved my game."

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