Markeisha Constant joined the LSU volleyball team in 2002 as a relatively inexperienced player and a raw athlete, said LSU coach Fran Flory.
“She never played club [volleyball] so we chose to redshirt her and let her develop,” Flory said.
Most of the other players have experience in club volleyball, which is private and often has more competitive teams that players can join in addition to their school’s team.
While in high school, Constant was not solely focused on volleyball. She ran track for Central High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala. and had the opportunity to walk on to the track team at LSU. Constant chose to stay with volleyball, however.
“My senior year I concentrated more on volleyball,” Constant said. “I really wanted to do volleyball.”
After sitting out last year, Constant has played like a veteran in her first year as a starter. Her “coming out” performance was the first five-game match against Kentucky earlier in the season, which LSU won. In that match Constant tied for the team best in kills with 18 and had six blocks.
“Her performance is the reason we won the match,” Flory said after the game.
Flory said she is not surprised by Constant’s collegiate debut. In the media guide, all the returning players said who they thought would be the biggest surprise this year and many of them listed Constant.
“I’m not surprised by the fact she’s been a factor,” Flory said. “But I didn’t know she would be the determining factor in some games.”
Constant said her ability to quickly recover after making a mistake has helped her be so successful this season.
“When I make a mistake I’m not consumed by the mistake,” she said.
Freshman Melody Clark said Constant has a high jump that enables her to make so many kills and prevent blocks from the other team.
“She’s really improved since last year,” Clark said. “She’s the most improved.”
Against Alabama, Constant added 11 kills, one less than team leader Regan Hood. She also had two blocks in the match. In the Tigers’ second game against Kentucky this season, Constant had 17 kills.
Yet, Flory said Constant is just learning to play the game.