Completed Event: Volleyball at Fresno State on October 25, 2025 , Win , 3, to, 0
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Grand Canyon University Athletics
Dig, Set, Spike!: The Senior Blog
11/24/2014 12:02:00 PM | Volleyball
This is the 13th in a weekly series of blogs and final one of the season from the 2014 women's volleyball team's senior class of Shannon Dugan, Hayleigh Friemoth and Mackenzie Phelps. In this edition, the group says farewell, gives thanks and looks ahead to the future of the program.
KENZIE PHELPS: I am so grateful for all of the support that was given to me throughout the years from my parents, the coaching staff, and training coaches. I could have never even made it to GCU to play on the team if it had not been for my parents. They helped and supported me in every way they possibly could to get me here, and for that I am forever grateful. The coaches pushed me when I needed to be pushed, and always wanted the best for me. I am also grateful to have had a good relationship with the coaches on and off the court. They welcomed me at any time if I wanted to talk about volleyball or just about life. I am so thankful for Aubrie, my athletic trainer, because without her these past four years I probably would not have made it to my senior year in one piece! She works so hard every day to keep every girl on the team healthy, and it is truly appreciated. I have had the chance to get to know her more as a person, and I am so grateful for that. I am also very thankful for all of the strength and conditioning coaches I have had in my four years here. They have literally made me a stronger person. I think all of the people I have encountered here at GCU whether teammates, coaches, or teachers, they have all had a huge impact on my life. Looking back at when I came in as a freshman, I was very shy and quiet, and usually kept to myself. Now, as a senior, I have become a vocal leader on and off the court, opening up myself more to people. Playing for this program has really helped me become the leader I am today, and for that I am so thankful because it has changed me for the better for the rest of my life. I think the other two seniors, along with myself, have really set a high standard for future Lady Lopes; not only with the level of play, but also with the expectations we have for the team. I am so excited to keep watching this team grow and just get better in the next couple of years. I cannot wait to see all of the underclassmen I have had the pleasure of playing with grow up into mature volleyball players. They are all going to kill it! I wish the team the best of luck in the future!
SHANNON DUGAN: The eight new players had an awakening of what the program is like and the veteran players have done a great job being role models for them. The transition has been successful as more than half of the starting lineup are newcomers. We wouldn't have the success we have had without the support of all 15 girls.
I want to give a huge thank you to the GCU coaching taff, Udeme, Aubrie, GCU Pep Band, GCU Cheer, and the student workers, for everything they do in preparation for our matches. Without them none of this would be possible. Most of all, thank you, Lope Fans, for being the best home crowds I've ever had the privilege of playing for.
HAYLEIGH FRIEMOTH: Saying farewell is tough. I am extremely grateful for my support system back home that has kept me on my toes by their surprise visits and endless nights of phone calls to keep me from going insane at times. I am also very grateful for an awesome coaching and training staff. Huge shout out to Aubrie for being momma bear to all of us and getting us the treatment and rehab we need in order to compete every day. Thank you to the entire coaching staff and Udeme for pushing us to the max to get the most out of us and show us what dedication and determination can do. I personally think that over the last four years I have become a strong mental and physical player as well as a leader and good teammate to all. Going forward I hope that some of my leadership and hard work will pay off for future teams. I am very excited to be a GCU alum and be able to compete in the Alumni Match next year! I look forward to seeing the growth and improvements that GCU makes as they venture further and further into the WAC and make their way to the top!
KENZIE PHELPS: I am so grateful for all of the support that was given to me throughout the years from my parents, the coaching staff, and training coaches. I could have never even made it to GCU to play on the team if it had not been for my parents. They helped and supported me in every way they possibly could to get me here, and for that I am forever grateful. The coaches pushed me when I needed to be pushed, and always wanted the best for me. I am also grateful to have had a good relationship with the coaches on and off the court. They welcomed me at any time if I wanted to talk about volleyball or just about life. I am so thankful for Aubrie, my athletic trainer, because without her these past four years I probably would not have made it to my senior year in one piece! She works so hard every day to keep every girl on the team healthy, and it is truly appreciated. I have had the chance to get to know her more as a person, and I am so grateful for that. I am also very thankful for all of the strength and conditioning coaches I have had in my four years here. They have literally made me a stronger person. I think all of the people I have encountered here at GCU whether teammates, coaches, or teachers, they have all had a huge impact on my life. Looking back at when I came in as a freshman, I was very shy and quiet, and usually kept to myself. Now, as a senior, I have become a vocal leader on and off the court, opening up myself more to people. Playing for this program has really helped me become the leader I am today, and for that I am so thankful because it has changed me for the better for the rest of my life. I think the other two seniors, along with myself, have really set a high standard for future Lady Lopes; not only with the level of play, but also with the expectations we have for the team. I am so excited to keep watching this team grow and just get better in the next couple of years. I cannot wait to see all of the underclassmen I have had the pleasure of playing with grow up into mature volleyball players. They are all going to kill it! I wish the team the best of luck in the future!
SHANNON DUGAN: The eight new players had an awakening of what the program is like and the veteran players have done a great job being role models for them. The transition has been successful as more than half of the starting lineup are newcomers. We wouldn't have the success we have had without the support of all 15 girls.
I want to give a huge thank you to the GCU coaching taff, Udeme, Aubrie, GCU Pep Band, GCU Cheer, and the student workers, for everything they do in preparation for our matches. Without them none of this would be possible. Most of all, thank you, Lope Fans, for being the best home crowds I've ever had the privilege of playing for.
HAYLEIGH FRIEMOTH: Saying farewell is tough. I am extremely grateful for my support system back home that has kept me on my toes by their surprise visits and endless nights of phone calls to keep me from going insane at times. I am also very grateful for an awesome coaching and training staff. Huge shout out to Aubrie for being momma bear to all of us and getting us the treatment and rehab we need in order to compete every day. Thank you to the entire coaching staff and Udeme for pushing us to the max to get the most out of us and show us what dedication and determination can do. I personally think that over the last four years I have become a strong mental and physical player as well as a leader and good teammate to all. Going forward I hope that some of my leadership and hard work will pay off for future teams. I am very excited to be a GCU alum and be able to compete in the Alumni Match next year! I look forward to seeing the growth and improvements that GCU makes as they venture further and further into the WAC and make their way to the top!
Players Mentioned
Bella Nunez | Women's Volleyball
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Kendra Potts Post Match Press Conference | GCU vs NAU 9.7.25
Monday, September 08
“You don’t know what it’s like.” | The Lope-a-Palooza Experience
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Bella Nunez & Sophia Parlanti Press Conference | GCU vs LIU | August 29, 2025
Saturday, August 30