By Jasmine Gonzales |Staff Writer|
Arielle McCullough is going out with a bang this season, surpassing CSUSB Volleyball record for the most digs.
Megan Haas set the record in 2006 with 1,566 digs, McCullough surpassed Haas with 1,572 digs after their game against Sonoma State University.
McCullough ended the week with 1,587 digs and she still has seven more games to set the new Coyote record.
“Holding the new record for the program is a huge accomplishment! The feeling is incredible and will be something I never forget,” said McCullough.
Growing up McCullough always looked up to the amazing players that came before her, but never imagined she would be right up there with them.
“I never believed I would have been the person to break the record with just three years of being on the court. I admire players before me and challenge players after me,” said McCullough.
She said she hopes setting this new record, will inspire the Coyotes after her to follow her lead and play their best.
“Thats how I got where I am today. The drive to be the best,” said McCullough.
McCullough gets her motivation from family, friends and teammates.
“Every time I step onto the court I’m playing for them, until the very last point,” said McCullough. “They drive me to do my best,” she continued.
Her second big motivation is, “it’s my last year EVER playing if thats not enough motivation, I don’t know what is,” said McCullough. Being raised in Fontana, McCullough played for a local club team called Rancho Valley who had practice locations throughout the Inland Empire.
She started out with the 12-2’s team coached by Kimo Morohunfola.
Prior to CSUSB, McCullough attended Etiwanda High School where she lettered in varsity volleyball all four years and received many athletic awards.
Graduating Etiwanda in 2011, McCullough came to CSUSB and played Volleyball for the Coyotes all four years.
“The volleyball player I aspire to be like is Camille Smith,” said McCullough. Smith is a former Coyote who graduated in the 2012-2013 academic year.
“I have never played with someone with so much heart and drive for the game,” reminisced McCullough about her former teammate Smith. This being her senior year, it will also be the last year that she plays Volleyball competitively.
“Volleyball will always be with me, but unfortunately this will be my last year playing,” said McCullough.
“I do not intend on playing anymore after college, maybe for a fun league,” added McCullough. McCullough is majoring in pre-nursing and planning to pursue a career as an OBGYN or even a doctor.
After McCullough graduates CSUSB this spring she will be transferring to West Coast University to begin the nursing program there. Although McCullough does not intend on playing volleyball after this season she definitely wants to stay around the sport when she graduates.
“Some of my best friends on and off the team are still playing and my sister is a coach so I will always be around it.” said McCullough.
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