Three-time beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor said, “I would like to instill in people just to work hard. As long as they keep at it, their dreams will happen.”
Liberty volleyball standout Dylann Trump is a firm believer in the benefits of hard work.
Wednesday afternoon, the defensive specialist reaped the rewards from her years of dedication on the court.
With family, teammates, friends and coaches in attendance, Trump signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at Bluefield University in the fall.
“It is really nerve-racking, but is probably the best feeling ever,” Trump said, smiling. “As a female athlete in high school, the goal is to play four more years. Getting the chance to actually play four more years is a once in a lifetime opportunity and such a blessing.”
Playing in an area where much of the volleyball coverage swings to powerhouses like Shady Spring, Beckley, Herbert Hoover and Greenbrier East, Trump was unsure if she would be afforded the chance to play at the next level.
She was unsure, but not deterred.
“There is always doubt for me. I am always very hard on myself, so I never thought this could be possible. I knew this was what I wanted and I was going to work hard everyday to get what I wanted,” Trump explained. “Travel ball and doing out-of-season work really helped me a lot. There were times I didn’t think I could make it. Looking back to elementary school days, I never thought I would be playing in college. I just knew it was what I wanted, so I worked hard every day for it.”
A trip to Bluefield University changed everything for Trump when head coach Buddy Gallemore saw her play for the first time.
“She came in for an open gym visit one day and she really stood out to me. It only took me a half-an-hour to an hour to realize that I wanted her,” Gallemore said. “She was not afraid to hit the floor, plus she read the ball well off the attackers and serves. Being able to serve receive is what I look for in a defensive specialist. I think she will come in, contribute and do some good things for us.”
An aggressive player on the back row her entire career, the Liberty standout explained how she developed a “bulldog mentality” on the back line.
“I have always been competitive and I knew I wasn’t going to be playing front row because I am only like 5-foot-3,” Trump said, laughing. “I just wanted the ball and I was going to chase the ball down. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was worthy to be in that spot. I was always willing to be a friend on the court, but I was also going to be competitive, feeling that was my spot now.”
While admitting she had some nerves heading to the open gym event, Trump also said she had a sense of calm come over here when she arrived on campus.
“Bluefield was my first offer and I wanted to make a good impression,” Trump said. “Going down there I honestly felt like I would be more nervous, but it felt like home. The coach made me feel so welcome and the girls were amazing. They treated me like I was family.”
“My roommate is from Texas and she is literally the same person as me,” Trump went on to say. “We have the same personality. It is so fun that we can talk everyday and we only met like two months ago. We are like sisters now. The first impression when I walked on campus and walked into the gym was it felt like home. That was where I wanted to be.”
Liberty head coach Denise Arline was by no means shocked at the success of star libero.
“She is a very polite, kind, nice, caring and loving person. She is just s great young lady,” Arline said. “But, don’t get me wrong, when she gets on that court, she is focused and not afraid to kiss the floor. She is a four-year starter that gives it her all, 110 percent. Dylann is dedicated and a team player. She will do fine in school because she has a level head on her shoulder.”
Arline also believes Trump’s signing will be an inspiration to the current and future volleyball players at Liberty.
“As far as I know, this is the first volleyball player from Liberty that is moving on to the next level,” Arline said. “This will let the other kids know they can do it too and will put our name out there.”
Gallemore admits it will take some time for his new recruit to adjust to college volleyball, but he also has confidence she can get the job done.
“I am hoping she will bring some leadership to our team because I know she was leading this team here. It will be a little bit of a culture shock. The game might be a little different for her, but with her playing club ball and seeing those other teams I think she will rise to the occasion. I am looking forward to getting her on campus.”
Trump plans to seek a business degree and hopefully work for the Department of Agriculture after college.