Sept. 16, 2004
By Scott Mees
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Marissa Washington, a middle blocker for the Saluki volleyball team, is achieving an impressive balancing act at Southern Illinois University.
The junior has posted a team-high hitting percentage (.351) through its first seven matches, and she ranks second in blocking (.088).
A lofty academic performance, during last spring's semester, earned Washington her first spot on the Dean's List, with a GPA of 3.50.
"It's very important," Washington said. "I'm trying to make the Dean's List every year if I can. Last semester I finally picked what my major was."
Hospitality and tourism is the field Washington decided on. She plans on franchising a business and working in hotel management.
As is the case with many students, deciding on a major is difficult, but once Washington made the decision, the future began to look much brighter.
"After I started taking those classes I really started to enjoy the classes more," Washington said.
Like many student-athletes, Washington brings her books on the team bus, and tries to study on Sundays.
"Any time I have time to study, I'll try to study," Washington said.
Pressure creeps into the picture on occasion, but perseverance is necessary for any student involved in athletics.
"It gets very stressful," Washington said. "I know like sometimes you just want to pull your hair out. You have to think about what you're doing here at SIU. You're here to play volleyball and go to school, and you just want to graduate."
SIU head coach Sonya Locke said her players are here to get an education first.
"We want them to excel in the classroom, but that is truly up to them," Locke said. "That is their baby. Volleyball provides them an opportunity to get that (school) paid for, but they still have to put in the work."
But when it's time to step onto the volleyball court, Washington is ready. She frequently puts on a pair of headphones and listens to music to energize her before games.
Washington started all 30 matches last season - the lone Saluki to do so - and managed to avoid any major injuries.
"It felt like 30 games after the season was over," Washington said. "I just try to make sure I eat healthy and stay fit as much as I can."
In addition, Washington led the Salukis with a .294 hitting percentage for the 2003 season, which ranks 11th in school history.
"I tried to come out last year and really show what I could do," Washington said. "I was able to score and put some points on the board."
Washington added a career-best 94 total blocks and 218 kills, which ranked first and third on the team respectively. However, blocking is what really gets her going. The junior enjoys sending the other team a message.
"If you try to hit anything, I'm there to put it back in your face," Washington said.
Washington, an Alabama native, was born in Mobile, but Theodore is her hometown. When she moved to Carbondale, she realized something was missing.
"I was next to the Gulf of Mexico," Washington said. "So, I kind of miss the water and the beach."
The junior also has difficulty attempting to explain to people in her hometown that Southern Illinois is not located near Chicago - a common but puzzling misconception that many people have.
Once school and volleyball are momentarily taken care of, Washington does enjoy a little bit of free time.
"The only thing in Carbondale I really do is go see movies and play volleyball," Washington said.
Washington also participates in that rare hobby where a person is not actually awake.
"I just like to lay in my bed and go to sleep a lot," Washington said. "If you ask anybody I just like to sleep."
It may be all that sleep that keeps Washington from taking part in typical college nightlife.
"Sometimes the bars get a little too exciting for me, so I try to stay away from there," Washington said.
But when it all comes down it, the relationship between a player and a coach is crucial. Coach Locke has helped many players throughout the years, and Washington is no exception.
"When I came here she helped me change my whole game style," Washington said. "My hitting got much better. She taught me just about everything that makes me a good player."
Washington indicated that motivation was a key element in Locke's repertoire.
"She's a great coach on and off the court," Washington said. "She wants you to be good all the time, and she wants you to do your best.
"She knows that you have potential, and she'll pull it out of you."
The Salukis (2-5) begin Missouri Valley Conference action this weekend when they host a pair of conference rivals at Davies Gym. SIU takes on Southwest Missouri State Friday at 7 p.m. and Wichita State on Saturday at 4 p.m.
