By Joshua Cubillo
Staff Writer
The Cal State Dominguez Hills Women’s Volleyball team has had an up-and-down season this year, struggling to find winning form in CCAA, but there have been a few bright spots. One of those being Claire Autry, the Toros captain.
Autry, CSUDH junior, has been one of the most successful players this season and leads the Toros with 161 kills and an average of 2.6 Kills per set. She is also fourth in service aces with nine so far this season.
Despite Toros’ tough year, Autry has been enjoying her time on and off the court.
“I enjoy being able to continue to play the sport,” Autry said. “I love and enjoy the friends that I’ve made and being able to hang out with them.”
As a volleyball player, Autry has some experience. She has been playing the game since she was in fifth grade.Although she has been playing for many years, being captain at the college level is a new experience for her.
“It’s fun at times, it’s also stressful,” Autry said. “I have experience in the past, but this year is a new endeavor, so I mean it’s fun and definitely a lot of work, but I enjoy doing it.”
Autry explains how being in her third year of college and captain on the Toros can be a lot of pressure, but she is still able to keep a positive attitude on the court.
“Sometimes I build it on myself and I just have to learn to let it go,” she said.
When deciding where to play volleyball, Autry’s final decision to play for the Toros came because of the campus atmosphere, coaching staff and program. At the time she was also being scouted by Cal State East Bay and Menio College.
“Well, I was looking at playing at East Bay or Dominguez Hills and there was more of a family atmosphere when I came down here, and I really liked the coaches and what the coaches were about.”
Before games Autry enjoys listening to music and finding ways to relax off the court. Autry is still unclear if she will continue to play after college, but is hopeful about the future.
“I don’t know if my body will be able to do it,” she said. “[Playing] professional volleyball in Europe would be fun, just to see what it’s about and for the travelling aspect because I love to travel, but I don’t know we’ll see.”
