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College Park Libero, Savannah Rutledge, cherishes all that surrounds her

By: Doug Sarant
| Published 10/20/2014

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas- Upon entering the College Park Cavalier Gym for a varsity volleyball game, you are immediately treated to an infectious energy that is rarely duplicated when entering other gyms around this volleyball crazed state. College Park is a fairly new school settling into its own traditions as all new schools do. One of those traditions you can count on is that the Cavaliers will have a volleyball team that is always vying for district bragging rights year in and year out.

However, the reasons why the team is always good under Coach Candace Collins vary from year to year. Is Collins part of the reason? Uh, let me think about it.......Of course! But, she can't do it all by herself as players are the reason this team shines every year, and every year you can look on the floor and see a lot of athletic ability.

When watching a CP volleyball game it is difficult to pinpoint what player or players make the team tick. Several do and I will pick one player that I feel is the straw that stirs the College Park drink.

Libero, Savannah Rutledge does it for me. You could look at any good team and just pick out the Libero and it would a safe bet and not many people would disagree with you. Any volleyball team goes as the Libero goes. If you have a weak Libero, your team will be weak. The stronger your Libero, the better your team will be.

In Rutledge's case, she does everything she's supposed to do to include keep balls in play so CP has a fighting chance every time a ball comes over to CP's side of the floor. Now, how does she do this? By any means possible, including diving on the hardwood face first. In watching the Cavaliers play one night, Rutledge was seen cleaning the floor 19 times and I had to leave halfway through the third set.

Seeing as College Park has multiple players good enough to play college volleyball, Rutledge can be overshadowed and justifiably so with the awesome team Collins and her coaches have put together.

There will be no more of that as we feature the heart and soul of the College Park volleyball team, junior Savannah Rutledge in this week's Q&A.



1) How long have you been playing Vball? What select team are you playing for?

I've been playing volleyball since I was in third grade. I played one year at the YMCA, then in fifth grade I started playing club for Team Texas and I played three years for Xtreme Volleyball. I am now playing my 17's year for Woodlands Wave.

2) What college are you hoping to go to? -Field of study?

There are several schools that I would love to attend and play volleyball. Some that are on the top of my list are Colorado State, Auburn, University of California San Diego, Sam Houston, University of Florida. Location is a big factor for me when deciding where to go to school. I am very interested in Marine Biology and Biology Majors.

3) What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from college?

I've always loved animals and life sciences. Originally, I thought being a veterinarian was the direction I'd go. But, as I learn more I feel drawn to marine life. I'm not sure what aspect I will be led to but I constantly pray for guidance in my life for direction. Most important, I want to have a family.

4) Do you like CP and why?

I love College Park. Having my mom work and coach at College Park when it first opened I've really grown up in the school. I loved watching College Park really grow, and develop lots of school pride and traditions over the years. The environment of the school is just a great place to be. Academically, the whole faculty is always ready to help any student. All the coaches are out for high competition and coaching the teams accordingly. Having the Woodlands as our neighboring school, there is for sure some rivalries, but College Park always stays classy and respectful for competition. #CPNation

5) Describe the team chemistry:

The team chemistry is really good this season. We all really care about each other and play for each other. We really try and hold each other accountable. Working hard as a team is one of our main goals to beat teams. Having most of us playing together for two years or more it gives us a good bond. Since most are upperclassmen it gives us a maturity and strategy that comes from a good base of experience.

6) What do you enjoy doing away from volleyball?

I love to watch football and hang out with my family. Having a competitive household is always fun. I really like to go on pinterest and create boards of things I'd always like to have. We like to be outdoors and go to First Baptist Church on Sundays.

7) Who is your role model for volleyball?

This is a very tough question for me because I have had so many great coaches and teammates since I've started volleyball. However, if I had to choose I would choose Coach Collins. My mom and Coach have coached together for ten years. I started going to her volleyball camps at Montgomery High School when I was in the first grade. My family and Coach Collins are really close, so she's always been a part of my life growing up. I admire her story in college in going to Sam and fighting for her scholarship even though she started as a walk on. This is really inspiring and makes me fight for what I want. I give all my fundamental skill to her, because she started coaching me at such a young age.

8) Role model for life is?

My role model for life would be my grandma. She is such a loving and caring lady who always has good advice. She's helped raise me and is a huge part of my life. She's such an intelligent women with a solid career being a Counselor (LPC). She has a huge loving, supportive family that cares about her and I can only hope I have that of my own someday. She's such a strong Christian, and grows in her faith everyday. I always look up to her and hopefully I'll have that when I get older as well.

9) Describe how supportive your family is:

My family is a huge support system in my life. We are all very close, and can always joke around with each other. They've always been there for me with volleyball. Whether it be early mornings waking up to watch me play at club tournaments, or supporting me in my home gym they're always there. Guiding me to be a better Christian, and giving me opportunities for everything is just the start. We're a goofy bunch, but we all love and care about each other more than words.

In watching Rutledge operate on the volleyball court, we can now see why she plays like she does. Having a solid background is paramount to a young player's performance on and off the court. One thing is for sure, her all out effort every second she is on the court is appreciated by everyone in #CPNATION.

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