Fresno State Athletics
A Determined Soul
9/20/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 20, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - Chelsey Duley may lack experience, but the 5-foot-9 freshman has been a major contributor on the 2000 Bulldogs' volleyball team. She is averaging nearly 10 assists per game and has appeared in 23 of a possible 31 games. She is also left-handed, an asset that provides some advantages for the team on occasion.
Duley graduated from Sierra High School in Tollhouse, Calif., where she was a four-year starter on the varsity team. She was named to the all-Central Sequoia League first-team three times and selected to the all-Valley team following her junior season. She was named team most valuable player in her junior and senior years, seasons in which she also served as the squad's captain.
Now, Duley is finding out what it is really like to play volleyball at the college level.
"It's been a huge adjustment from high school to college," Duley said. "There is so much I've yet to learn and the game is so much faster. Especially being a setter, I have to adjust quickly too."
At the setter position, it is essential that she adapts to the college game immediately. She is the quarterback on the court, calling out plays and directing her teammates for positioning. She also must read the opposition's tendencies and flaws in an effort to prepare the Bulldogs for their own strategic move.
The season remains young, however the Bulldogs are off to a promising start. With a blend of experienced veterans and talented youth, Duley said she expects her teammates will develop into a polished club.
"I believe in this team," Duley said. "We have great energy and there is so much talent on this team. We all know there is still a lot we have to improve on, but we work well together and I know we can do it."
The Bulldogs are equipped with two setters - Duley and sophomore Brittney Pearson. Both have the responsibility of setting the tone for the squad. When one is in the game, the other is in full support. The competition between the two is healthy and they only make each other stronger, sharper and more focused.
"When Brittney is out there, I want her to do well," Duley said. "If I'm not getting the team going, she's going to have to. We work well together and I want her to do great, just like I would want myself to succeed."
Above all else, Duley said she is thankful for those who have assisted her throughout her life and blessed her with many opportunities.
"My mom has always been there for me," Duley said. "But when I'm out there, blocking everything out, I give it my all for God. He's the one that has given me what I have."
