Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

When Lindsy Hartsock started thinking about her future in collegiate sports, she had decision to make. After choosing to come to BYU, she had to make another decision between basketball and volleyball after receiving offers for both sports.

"I started playing basketball in fourth grade," Hartsock said. "Basketball was always my favorite all growing up, but in high school, it started to change.

When I made the decision to come here, obviously, volleyball was my favorite."

The 6-foot-4-inch middle blocker began her volleyball career officially at seventh grade tryouts in Inkom, Idaho, despite practicing here and there with her older sister, who was currently playing in high school.

"Volleyball was an interesting experience for a while," Hartsock said. "I was really uncoordinated and not very good. I think I really developed when I came to BYU. I don't think I was the best player in high school, but I think what got a lot of the attention was my height."

After being named the 2003 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year, Hartsock has used her height to her advantage this season.

She was named the MWC Player of the Week and has held the No. 1 spot in the nation in blocks per game as well as the No. 3 spot in the hitting percentage earlier in the season.

Despite these achievements, she gives much of the credit to her teammates for helping her succeed.

"As a middle, if the other person doesn't set a good block, a lot of times you're not going to get a good block," Hartsock said. "I think I owe things like being No. 1 in the nation to blocking with Lindsey Metcalf and my hitting percentage obviously is because Lauren sets me well."

After seeing Hartsock develop last season, BYU head coach Karen Lamb said she wanted to utilize her abilities more in the Cougars' offense and help her develop more as a middle blocker.

"I think we're doing a better job setting her and allowing her to get some offensive confidence," she said. "Since last season, I think her blocking has improved as well as her overall offensive performance and options. She's starting to understand the game more, and we're trying to use her talents more effectively."

As only a sophomore, Hartsock has topped the MWC charts in blocks per game and hitting percentage for much of the season. Lamb said she has seen great improvement in Hartsock and still expects to see more.

"Lindsy started the season with a sprained ankle, and I think each week, she's gotten better," she said. "She is a great asset to our team, and she's hasn't reached her potential yet. I think we'll still see big things from her in the future. I'm very pleased with her performances and confidence."

Although volleyball and basketball are both team sports, Hartsock said she enjoyed how evident teamwork is in volleyball and the chance to congratulate her teammates in between each play.

"My favorite aspect of volleyball is how team oriented it is," she said. "Three people have to be involved in a play. In basketball, you can have one star and they can carry the team, but in volleyball, it can't be like that. It's completely team-oriented. I also like the energy and being able to celebrate in between plays and say good job."

Perhaps her biggest choice now is how to balance her almost non-existent free time. As one of only two married players on the team, Hartsock has had to learn how to balance married life on top of volleyball and schoolwork.

"It's a big struggle," Hartsock said. "I love it, and I wouldn't take any of it back. It's definitely stressful, especially with school and balancing everything. We were married in August 2003. I'm still adjusting, but it's getting easier. Ben is totally supportive. I'll have stressful days, and he's always so laid back."

Although her schedule can be highly demanding, this Community Health major finds time to relax with her husband, Ben, and with friends. Though she chose volleyball over basketball, Hartsock still loves to work on her skills up when she can.

"I love to play basketball in my free time," Hartsock said. "Ben and I would like to go play Frisbee or basketball in the park. We like to hang out with friends and go to movies and things like that. Ben likes to shop, so that's fun."



Copyright Brigham Young University 2 Nov 2004