Sunday was a memorable day for the LSU volleyball team.
Not only did the Tigers’ comeback win against Mississippi State break a two-match losing streak and help solve what LSU coach Fran Flory called a “confidence crisis,” but senior middle blocker Michele Williams became the 18th player in LSU history to reach 1,000 career kills.
Williams said the path to 1,000 kills started before she even stepped foot on the court of the PMAC.
She credited her current comrades, saying they laid the groundwork for her success.
“I can’t do it without my teammates,” Williams said. “Everyone has a huge impact on [me] reaching [1,000 kills].
It’s a great feeling, but it’s not just me, it’s the team and everyone that belongs to it right now.”
Williams reached the milestone from the unlikely position of middle blocker.
“Usually, when you have players that are reaching 1,000 kills, those are outside hitters,” Flory said. “It’s not usual that middles get to do that. The fact that she’s worked so hard to be an option all the time is truly the defining factor.”
Though she began her LSU career as an outside hitter, a position more prone to accumulating kills, Williams was moved to middle blocker in the middle of her freshman season due to a season-ending injury to starting middle blocker Lauren DeGirolamo.
The move didn’t seem to affect Williams, who was a unanimous selection to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team.
She was one of four Tigers with an average of more than two kills per set in 2008, her freshman season.
Williams’ domination throughout her career hasn’t just been on the offensive side. She was second on the team in total blocks her freshman year, led the team in solo blocks her sophomore year, and in her junior year, Williams and sophomore middle blocker Desiree Elliott combined for more than 600 kills while racking up 199 blocks.
Right now, Williams is tied for most blocks of the season with Elliott. Both players were Preseason All-SEC selections.
Even though Elliott is regarded as one of the best players in the conference, she said she looks up to Williams because of her experience and guidance when Elliott was a freshman.
Flory said Williams is special because she is a multi-dimensional player.
“She’s been such a great player, not just offensively,” Flory said. “She’s been a great blocker for us and done so many other things. The key is that Michele is fast and dynamic.”
According to Flory, the 1,000 kills are a testament to consistency. Flory said the Tigers have faith in Williams to come through at any given time.
“We play a system that allows her opportunities to be successful,” Flory said. “We trust Michele, so we force the ball to her as much as we can.”
Flory said the consistency she sees in Williams comes from her work in practice, not just during matches.
“That allows her the ability to succeed regardless of the situation,” Flory said. “I can’t name five practices in the four years I’ve trained her that she didn’t go as hard as she could.”
 
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