Marissa Hine's search for a school where she could play volleyball was short.
Hine, a junior, was added to the Ball State women’s volleyball team Aug. 29 as a transfer. She spent her previous two years at Belmont University.
“It was really cool going to that type of environment after high school,” Hine said. “Coming from a big public school in the Midwest going to a private Christian school in the south, it was a little bit of a culture shock.”
Hine played in 30 matches in two years at Belmont, and recorded 69 digs as a defensive specialist.
Despite Hine’s love for the campus and connections she had made at Belmont, she was ready to come home.
A Noblesville native, Hine grew up around Muncie and is familiar with the city and its faces. She played club volleyball through Munciana, where she began at just 13 years old.
“Some of my best friends live here,” she said. “I have teammates who still live here that I see all the time either walking through campus or just people I know from growing up. It’s really cool to be in such a familiar area.”
Hine is also very close with her family, another factor that played into her decision to return to Indiana.
While Hine is new to Ball State’s volleyball family, she prefers the Midwest style of play rather than that of the south.
Her peers said this louder, more intense, ball control-oriented way of playing fits Hine and her personality. This style was first introduced to her in the eighth grade while “in the presence of a legend.”
“When I was 13 and walking into Burris Gym to get lessons from [women's volleyball head coach] Steve Shondell, I was completely overwhelmed,” Hine said.
Hine laughs at the irony of the situation today, as she said she never thought she would play under Shondell. However, she sees herself in a perfect situation.
As for Shondell, his past relationship with Hine and his search for a defensive specialist aligned at just the right time.
Rather than holding a large walk-on tryout for one position, Shondell decided to give Hine the opportunity, one she has taken full advantage of.
“I had seen some video of her in college,” Shondell said. “I remembered her from her eighth grade year and knew she was a really good athlete, and all that kind of added up and we decided to add her to the roster.”
Hine has worked her way into a leader on the second team in practice. She said her new teammates have made her feel like she’s not even part of a new team.
While Hine likely won’t be a major presence on the court this season, she will be ready for her chance. Shondell said she can be a big part of the future.
“She’s a fearless defender and loves to dig,” Shondell said. “We need her to become a good ball control player, good servicing player and a really consistent server for her to really contribute on the court.”
Hine made her first appearance in a Ball State uniform at the Active Ankle Challenge this season. She played in a total of three sets.
Even though she didn’t record many stats, Hines’ attitude about being a Cardinal goes far beyond the stat sheet.
“Wearing that Cardinal jersey is a great feeling to be able to go out on the court and actually play and represent this program … I can’t wait to get the opportunity again,” she said.
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