Powell’s confidence growing
Hubbard graduate Adria Powell contributing to Ohio State volleyball
By Dan Hiner
Adria Powell dominated local schools when she was a member of the Hubbard High School volleyball team. But she wondered if she could compete against Big Ten competition.
After a rough start, eventually she proved herself worthy of playing time at Ohio State.
The difficult transition was more mental than physical. The 6-foot-2 freshman has become one of the top statistical players on the Buckeyes’ roster.
Powell is fifth on Ohio State in kills (120), tied for fourth in blocks (31) and sixth in points (147).
“I think I’ve done pretty well so far on the team — contributing to our points scoring, hitting blocking,” Powell said. “I was a little nervous being so young ... coming in and playing with the sharks.
“[Buckeyes head coach Geoff Carlston’s] helped me a lot. He told me to be more confident, whether it’s speaking in general or playing, and that’s helped me a lot on the court and off the court.”
Senior Audra Appold became a mentor for Powell and the other freshman. Appold began her career as an outside hitter but moved to the back row this season due injury.
“She’s been in my position as a freshman,” Powell said. “She’s helped me a lot. She’s been in my shoes.
“If I’m having a bad game, she’s knows how to get me smiling again and get me out of it. She has a lot of pointers on and off the court — like how to manage playing a college sport. I really look up to her.”
The Buckeye’s have struggled this season. Ohio State is 12-15 and 3-12 in the Big Ten.
Ohio State is on a seven-game losing streak and lost nine of the last 10. The Buckeyes have four games before the end of the regular season.
“We’ve been grinding through. We’ve been working our butts off at practice, trying to stay positive,” Powell said. “We try not to look back on the past.”
Powell’s individual success wasn’t immediate and the Hubbard graduate realized she can’t rely on her physical abilities anymore.
Powell’s first practice was an open gym. She competed against her teammates, with the captains leading the practice.
One of those players was Ashley Wenz, a former Buckeye and All-Big Ten honorable mention outside hitter. Powell admits Wenz got the better of the match-up.
“She was blocking and I was hitting,” Powell said. “I got blocked like five times in a row. I was swinging low and I thought I could get away with it like I did in high school and club because I didn’t have huge girls in front of me that are touching 10 foot and above.”
From that moment on, Powell started polishing her game.
She has worked on improving her swing, jump and approach. But more importantly, she’s improved her volleyball IQ.
“From playing at such a high level, you have to have a higher IQ and have more shots inside out in the Big Ten,” Powell said.
“I think that’s forced me to be smarter in the game overall.”