From transfer to teammate: Troy volleyball welcomes transfer player
Troy volleyball’s season is now in full swing, but before the season started, the Trojans welcomed several new faces. One new face is transfer student Sophie Ocampo.
The middle hitter spent the last four seasons of her career with UT Arlington, however, Ocampo felt it was time for a fresh start. Former Trojan Lacey Jeffcoat was one of Ocampo's coaches with the Mavs and guided her to Troy.
"I hopped into the transfer portal, and she [Jeffcoat] was nothing but super helpful and led me in the right direction and got me in contact with Josh [Lauer],” Ocampo said. “She spoke very highly about me, and Josh took her word for it and took a chance on me.
“When I came on a visit, I just fell in love."
While some transfer students might worry about finding community when they move somewhere new, Ocampo had her’s waiting to help her carry boxes up to her new apartment.
"I got here, and all the girls helped me move in,” Ocampo said. “It was like we instantly clicked.
“The girls were so welcoming. Troy, as a program, does not bring in transfers that often because they value culture and building them up from freshmen, but they took a chance on me, and I am so grateful."
After switching the blue and orange for the cardinal and white, Ocampo felt it was also time for a new number. When she was with the Mavs, Ocampo wore six for her mother, who also played volleyball, but for Troy, the Houston native now wears 14 to feel close to a different family member.
"I wore six for the longest time because that was [my mom’s] number, and it is a significant number for the family, and then my younger sister actually wore 14,” Ocampo said. “Coming to Troy and having the opportunity to switch my number, I think that felt right and made me feel a little bit more connected to my sister.
“I am playing this last year for her just because she is going into her sophomore year of college at Davidson."
However, it was this connection with her mom that led her into the sport. Originally a swimmer, Ocampo realized the diving block was not for her. After her mom’s suggestion, she found her home at the net.
“I was always tall, and my mom told me to just try it [volleyball],” Ocampo said. “I did it, and I loved it.
“As a young woman, being tall can be challenging at times, so being surrounded by other tall women at a young age, that was good for me.”
After arriving in January, Ocampo participated in spring practice with the team and believes this team can make some noise this season.
“I have high expectations, but no pressure,” Ocampo said. “I've seen all the hard work that we have put in every single day.
“I'm confident in us. I think if we stay consistent, stay confident and keep working hard, then I think that we'll do good things this season.”
With this being her fifth year, Ocampo is looking ahead to what happens when her time on the court is up. Instead of serving the ball, she will be selling doctors the equipment they need.
“I want to go into medical device sales; that's the goal,” Ocampo said. “I want to move back home and go into medical device sales.”
Ocampo and the Trojans return to Trojan Arena this week, playing host to Murray State on Sept. 17 to start the Trojan Invitational. First serve is set for 6 p.m.
Comments