Love for the Game Drives Shores to Delaware Tech Volleyball

Growing up, Sadie Shores loved playing volleyball. She started playing in 6th grade, and hasn't stopped since. When she enrolled at Delaware Technical Community College and learned the women's volleyball program was based at the Stanton Campus, she knew she had to be part of the team – even though she lives over 90 miles away in Delmar.

"I did know Delaware Tech had a volleyball team and I already had my mind set that once I decided to go to Delaware Tech I would try out for the team," Shores said. "Volleyball has always been my number one sport. I was a three-sport athlete all throughout high school, until 11th grade when I decided volleyball was where my passion was."

During a virtual session with her advisor, Shores learned the program was further away than she thought. She made up her mind to try out after the team had already started practicing for the 2021 season. Undeterred, Shores asked head coach Kelly Summers if she could still tryout for the team. Summers allowed her to use a few practices as tryouts, and Shores ended up making the team.

"I knew it would be a huge commitment and a lot of stress on myself, but I could not go another day without at least trying," Shores said. "Playing college volleyball has always been a big dream of mine. I'm grateful I got the opportunity to play at Delaware Tech."

Shores is the latest example of Delaware Tech student-athletes attending any campus of their choice, while playing a sport that might be based at a different location. All student-athletes receive the same level of academic support and academic counseling no matter what campus they attend or what sport they play to help ensure they remain academically eligible.

The cross country program runs home meets at White Clay Creek State Park in New Castle County, but typically draws runners from the other two counties. The upcoming men's and women's basketball teams will have several players from Kent and Sussex counties. This spring, the men's lacrosse program, which plays home games at DE Turf in Frederica, will feature multiple student-athletes from New Castle and Sussex counties. And finally, the baseball and softball teams, based in Georgetown, feature rosters with student-athletes from across the state.

"Sadie is an excellent example of how Delaware Tech Athletics is truly a collegewide program and how our teams give Delawareans an opportunity to compete at the collegiate level," said Mike Ryan, collegewide director of athletics. "Our programs recruit and support all Delawareans and we are grateful for student-athletes like Sadie that make sacrifices to continue to play the game they love."

Shores chose Delaware Tech after graduating from Delmar High School to take advantage of the SEED Scholarship. Since joining the team she has been a steady starter and key contributor in every game, and she hasn't missed a practice or game this season.

"From the first time I went to tryouts, I've been amazed at the skill the team had," Shores said. "We are all very good and we all work well together. I love this team and I wouldn't trade this team for the world."

Since Shores joined the women's volleyball team so late, she is not receiving an athletic scholarship. While she is definitely going to continue pursuing her degree in criminal justice, with her ultimate goal to become a police officer, she's not sure she can continue to balance and afford the travel to return to the volleyball team for a second season.

"It is very difficult balancing everything," Shores said. "I have three classes, two jobs, and volleyball. Thankfully, my two jobs are very flexible with my busy schedule so I'm able to work and still make it to classes and volleyball. It is very stressful, but I've gotten the hang of managing everything. I keep a big calendar in my room to keep track of everything I have to do in a day which helps me with organizing my busy life."

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