When freshman setter Chanel Brown steps onto the court for Florida’s opening match, she will instantly accomplish a number of career firsts.
The first match of her collegiate career, her first career start and her first non-club match at a new position all figure to come in the team’s first game, and all in front of the biggest crowd she’s ever played for.
Still, Brown isn’t feeling an ounce of unwanted stress.
“I really like the pressure,” Brown said. “I just like working hard, and going toward a goal of winning.”
After four years of playing outside hitter at Chandler (Ariz.) Valley Christian High, Brown consulted with many of her current and future coaches.
To maximize her potential at the next level, Brown switched to setter.
Evidently those coaches were right. It took Brown just a single club season and a few weeks of practice to earn the role of starting setter on one of the nation’s top teams.
“We thought she had a chance to see playing time right away, but when we first started recruiting her we didn’t project her to start as a freshman,” coach Mary Wise said. “She’s doing exactly what you want in college sports, and that’s when the opportunity presents itself to take full advantage of it.”
Although Brown was a 2009 American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American who led the nation in kills as an outside hitter, her height (5-foot-9) meant it would be necessary to make a positional switch if she were to successfully transition to the college game.
Wise, like many other coaches Brown encountered during the recruiting process, decided she would fit perfectly into the setter role due to her foot speed and athleticism.
“Her physical traits and leadership skills are really tailor-made for the setting position,” Wise said. “It’s not a stretch to think that Chanel could be the best back-row defensive setter that we’ve had here in this program.”
Because her skills fit the position perfectly, Brown has been able to make the transition with relative ease.
Even though the terminology, speed of the game and quality of athletes have all presented challenges, Brown is happy she made the move.
“It’s been an amazing experience,” Brown said. “I love the transition from outside hitter to setter, and I wouldn’t change back.
“I love running the offense, the fast pace of everything, and being able to play with such amazing athletes.”
Brown’s step up to the collegiate level would have been a difficult one even without the positional change, as she moved from a small Arizona private school to one of the most heavily populated public universities in the country.
After four years of playing in front of just a few dozen fans in her high school gymnasium, the freshman will jump to the O’Connell Center, which drew more than 2,500 fans for last season’s home opener.
“The Orange and Blue game was the biggest crowd I’ve played for so far,” Brown said. “But I’m not even nervous, I’m just excited to go out there and play for Gator Nation and for all the fans that come out and support all of us.”
It should come as no surprise that Brown isn’t feeling any pressure, as the 2009 Arizona State Championship MVP once notched an astounding 26 kills and 19 digs in the biggest match of her life, leading her team to a come-from-behind victory in the championship match.
“That state game was very intense and so much fun to be in,” Brown said. “I’m so proud of my high school team that we came out and won state, but now it’s a national championship we’re looking for.”
