A Dynamic Duo
11/21/2016 2:37:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Rachel Eppley and Maggie Speaks are the only two seniors on the 2016 NC State volleyball squad, but the duo has done an excellent job leading the team on and off the court. As the Wolfpack's starting libero, Eppley manages the back row and defense while Speaks directs the offense from her setter position.
The pair has helped lead the team to an 18-12 overall record this season and in addition, each has also enjoyed their own individual accomplishments. Eppley, a native of Charlotte, N.C., became just the third player in the rally-scoring era of the program to reach 1,000 career digs when she accomplished the feat in NC State's 3-1 win against UT Arlington at the Ole Miss Invitational.
"It's a big accomplishment and looking back on it, I wish I would have been able to achieve it earlier in my career," Eppley said. "We keep progressing and getting better individually and as a team, which is great."
Hailing from Camden, S.C., Speaks has thrived in the new offensive system under first-year head coach Linda Hampton-Keith and her staff. Against SMU, the senior dished out a rally-scoring era program record 64 assists in NC State's five-set victory.
"I really think our system has allowed me to flourish this year," said Speaks. "We have a really fast offense and it makes it easier for our hitters to get kills, since we typically beat the blockers on the other team and our passing has been great as well."
Aside from their own personal accolades, each is excited about the direction of the program with a strong season this year, new coaching staff and the completion of the newly renovated Reynolds Coliseum, as both players competed in Reynolds for two seasons prior to its renovation.
"It's amazing," Speaks said in regards to running onto the court in Reynolds Coliseum on game days. "I still haven't gotten used to the fact that it's our home gym, I still feel like I'm visiting sometimes. The facility is incredible and it still feels like a dream."
"It's so awesome," Eppley explained. "I don't think I've ever played in a nicer facility and the fact that it's now our home court is insane. It still doesn't feel real."
Following graduation, Speaks has decided to pursue a professional career playing volleyball and Eppley plans to attend graduate school to obtain her MBA.
The pair has helped lead the team to an 18-12 overall record this season and in addition, each has also enjoyed their own individual accomplishments. Eppley, a native of Charlotte, N.C., became just the third player in the rally-scoring era of the program to reach 1,000 career digs when she accomplished the feat in NC State's 3-1 win against UT Arlington at the Ole Miss Invitational.
"It's a big accomplishment and looking back on it, I wish I would have been able to achieve it earlier in my career," Eppley said. "We keep progressing and getting better individually and as a team, which is great."
Hailing from Camden, S.C., Speaks has thrived in the new offensive system under first-year head coach Linda Hampton-Keith and her staff. Against SMU, the senior dished out a rally-scoring era program record 64 assists in NC State's five-set victory.
"I really think our system has allowed me to flourish this year," said Speaks. "We have a really fast offense and it makes it easier for our hitters to get kills, since we typically beat the blockers on the other team and our passing has been great as well."
Aside from their own personal accolades, each is excited about the direction of the program with a strong season this year, new coaching staff and the completion of the newly renovated Reynolds Coliseum, as both players competed in Reynolds for two seasons prior to its renovation.
"It's amazing," Speaks said in regards to running onto the court in Reynolds Coliseum on game days. "I still haven't gotten used to the fact that it's our home gym, I still feel like I'm visiting sometimes. The facility is incredible and it still feels like a dream."
"It's so awesome," Eppley explained. "I don't think I've ever played in a nicer facility and the fact that it's now our home court is insane. It still doesn't feel real."
Following graduation, Speaks has decided to pursue a professional career playing volleyball and Eppley plans to attend graduate school to obtain her MBA.
Players Mentioned
DS/L
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's VolleyballPack Volleyball Then and Now. Players Discuss the Game They Played
Monday, October 06
Pack Volleyball Then and Now. Coaches Discuss How the Game is Played
Thursday, October 02
Pack Volleyball Then and Now. Former Players Compare Uniforms and Gear
Friday, September 12
Pack Volleyball Then and Now. Coaches Discuss Gear and Uniforms
Monday, September 08