Ohio has a long history of student-athletes excelling in multiple sports, including names like Kermit Blosser and Frank Baumholtz. Serena Warner could be next to stand out in more than one sport: she is a member of the volleyball team and competes in track and field.
Warner had not competed in track since junior high. Volleyball remains her primary sport, but when the opportunity to compete again at the collegiate level presented itself, she seized it.
“I’m really just trying to stay competitive and involved in activities,” Warner said. “It was something that I have always been interested in and I wanted to help another team out.”
Warner believes competing on the track and field has helped her rise over the net on the volleyball court. Staying competitive year-round might give her an edge on her opponents.
As a walk-on for the track team, Warner competed in multiple meets in high jump, recording two top-five finishes and a 13th-place finish at the Mid-American Conference Championships.
She competes in track for fun, but she does not want the second sport to interfere with her play or work ethic on the court. Volleyball is where Warner excels and this season she is expected to be a centerpiece in Ohio’s starting rotation, after competing in only nine matches during the 2011 campaign.
In spring, Warner was an entirely different player, putting her high-jump skills on display with a large increase in kills and points.
“I was all about Serena going and picking up a second sport as long as it didn’t interfere with volleyball,” Ohio volleyball head coach Ryan Theis said. “But I’m excited to have her focus back for volleyball and expect her to be a great player for us this season.”
Warner is just a sophomore and one of nine underclassmen on the 2012 roster, but she is expected to be a leader among her teammates when the season begins Aug 24.
“I’m ready for this season,” Warner said. “It’s new to me getting a lot more playing time, but I’m already seeing improvement.”
As far as remaining a two-sport athlete, Warner sees no reason she would not be able to continue competing in two Bobcat sports — as long as there are no conflicts.
cl027410@ohiou.edu
