3 minute read
Amelia Roth - “Coincidence or Fate? How Volleyball Can Change a Life” [Elise Fulcher
How Volleyball Can Change A Life
Devoted, hardworking, and confident are words to describe the commitment and love of a sport that can change one’s life forever. 2014 Duchesne graduate Elise Fulcher, was destined to pursue a career in volleyball, but she didn’t have an outlook on that direction until fate came knocking. Fulcher grew up in Omaha surrounding herself in a culture full of volleyball success. Playing for Duchesne Academy as well as local club Premier Volleyball, Fulcher committed her young teen years to this sport.
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Senior year came around and Fulcher was indecisive on if she was going to participate in that year’s club season. The day before tryouts, she decided to play one last season, or so she thought. As a senior, Fulcher was receiving many college letters and going on visits. She visited Benedictine College, located in Atchison, Kansas, in 2013. Going mostly for academics and not really thinking of playing volleyball, her mom mentioned her daughter’s love and dedication of the sport to one of the tour guides.
The tour guide then proceeded to ask Fulcher about her volleyball career and asked her if she would like to meet the head coach. After finishing the tour and conversing with the coach for a while, Fulcher returned home. She decided to give Benedictine a chance and she and the coach kept in touch for a few weeks. Soon enough, Fulcher committed to play college ball at Benedictine College.“It truly was a God moment,” Fulcher said.
Benedictine was a perfect fit. She enjoyed the smaller campus and the school’s focus on God and her faith. However, freshman year of college was a struggle. She battled with time management and the stress of being a student athlete. Failing some classes and wanting to transfer as a freshman, she didn’t give up hope. Continuing to work hard in both school and volleyball, Fulcher was so glad she didn’t give up.
“In hard times I stayed true to myself and trusted that everything happens for a reason. I allowed myself to fail so I could learn from it and do it right next time.” This was a moment where fate prevailed in Fulcher’s life and she learned to believe God’s plan was good. Playing for about 10 years, Fulcher’s body started to give up on her and she constantly dealt with injuries. As a middle hitter/ blocker she had to work through persistent knee issues, lots of shoulder pain, and even had to get ankle surgery. As her college senior year came around, she was in endless pain. She made the hard decision
to pass up her last year of playing volleyball due to her injuries. “I couldn’t play without being in extreme pain or constant rehab” Fulcher said. Although she was not directly playing on the team, she was asked to still attend practices and games and became an extra coach for Benedictine. After graduating from college, Fulcher moved back to Omaha where her whole family lives. Since then, she has worked at her family business helping with accounting, book keeping, and inventory. In addition to working with her family, Fulcher fills her competitive spirit and her love of volleyball by coaching at the same club she grew up playing for. This upcoming season will be her fourth year coaching at Premier. “I love seeing people succeed, and sharing my love of the sport with so many people every day,” Fulcher said. “Building a relationship with the players and the coaches is very important to me. I love to see my girls develop not only as volleyball players, but as young, growing women.” Fulcher’s love of coaching opened yet another opportunity to influence a new group of girls. She was introduced to Coach Amy McLeay through Sarah Hughbanks, who coached with her at Premier and Coach McLeay at Marian. Soon enough, Fulcher started to help with the Marian volleyball program. In 2021, Fulcher finished her second year as assistant varsity coach and third year in the Marian volleyball program.
Fulcher plays a very crucial role to her club and high school teams. She holds this responsibility close to her heart because you never know what the next day could bring. Trusting the process may be hard, but Fulcher has proven that everything happens for a reason and God’s plan is good.
By J1 Reporter Amelia Roth
Elise Fulcher
Elise Fulcher (left) and Sarah Hughbanks coach Estella Zatechka at volleyball tournament.
