Republic volleyball player Brandy Glessner has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at Evangel University. Glessner was a key part of two state quarterfinal teams for the Lady Tigers.
Coach Piper Wright says Glessner’s work ethic has impressed her in the two years since Wright has been the coach.
“When I think of Brandi, I think of the epitome of hard work,” says Wright. “Multiple times Coach (Eric) Stephens and I stayed after practice because she wanted to pass more or serve more or hit some. That’s awesome as a coach, to have somebody who’s so dedicated to the program and so dedicated to making themselves better and to make the team better.”
Glessner credits the constructive criticism of her teammates and the volleyball coaches at Republic for putting her in a position to play in college.
“I had so much fun playing, and I did want to get better all the time,” says Glessner. “I’m so excited to go play for a winning team, and Evangel is a great college for me, and I’m so excited for the environment.
“The speed of the game is definitely going to increase. I’m very competitive, so that’s going to be exciting.”
Evangel coach Mary Whitehead says Republic’s winning tradition will be a positive for Glessner as she moves to the next level.
“We like to recruit winners. People that are used to winning hate to lose, and that’s the attitude we like to have at Evangel,” says Whitehead.
“I believe Brandi will come in and compete for a starting spot right away,” she says. “It’s up to her if she gets it, but it sounds like she’s got the work ethic to do so. But I do think she’ll make an impact right away on a program that has been winning.”
Evangel was 22-14 last season.