On the court, Idaho volleyball coach Debbie Buchanan describes sophomore outside hitter Sarah Sharp as self-motivated.
“The biggest thing is she has a competitive spirit,” Buchanan said. “She’s got fire, she wants to win and she’s going to be locked in. Those are all things you can’t find always in kids.”
Off the court, Sharp said she enjoys reading and spending time with family and teammates.
“I talk or text to my parents like all day, every day and we’re all super close in my family,” Sharp said. “The team, even outside of volleyball, we all hang out together and super close and that really helps too.”
Sharp is working on a degree in childhood development and family relations.
“I really want to work with children, maybe child care or be a child advocate,” Sharp said. “That’s really what I’m searching for right now, like what exactly I want to do. I know it has to do with helping kids and even helping families.”
Sharp’s family helped her choose the career path.
“I grew up in a tight-knit, big family,” Sharp said. “That’s part of the reason why I’m choosing this career because there’s always babies running around with grandkids, nieces and nephews. I think that had a lot to do with my choice and my major.”
Sharp was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, but calls Filer, Idaho, home.
She played volleyball and basketball in Filer. Sharp earned All-Conference volleyball honors in 2013 and collected 375 kills and 266 digs.
She also helped her high school basketball team win the 2014 Idaho 3A Girls State Basketball Championship.
After redshirting her first year, Sharp played 29 games for the Vandals in 2015.
She finished fourth on the team with 2.57 points per set and third with 66 blocks.
Sharp said she’s been working on her comfort level on the court.
“As a freshman, I was unsure of myself quite a bit,” Sharp said. “This year I’m really trying to just be really loud and active with my teammates, lots of talking and celebrating. There’s just a difference in maturity from freshman to sophomore year.”
Sharp said being loud helps the team stay positive.
“One thing that I know helps our team is when we’re all celebrating really loud when we do get points and get good kills,” Sharp said. “Even just celebrating the little stuff helps boost a person’s morale and starting gaining momentum.”
She led Idaho with a career-best 20 kills Sept. 22 against Montana State.
Buchanan said Sharp continues to make progress as a player.
“From last year to this year, she’s made a ton a growth,” Buchanan said. “She’s getting better from a defensive position and getting a lot stronger which is allowing her to stay in plays a little longer, and offensively she’s continuing to grow as a player.”
Luis Torres can be reached at[email protected]or on Twitter @TheLTFiles