Spring Break
Stovall continues career in France
Former OSU setter Desma Stovall plays professional volleyball in France for USSPA Volley after two seasons in Spain
Casey Grogan
Issue date: 2/23/09 Section: Sports
It has become common to see former Beavers in the NFL and professional baseball, and one former Beaver is showing that the women of Oregon State can play professional ball also.
Former Oregon State setter Desma Stovall has made her way from Corvallis to Europe to play professional volleyball, an opportunity that may not have been possible in the United States. In the United States, volleyball after college typically takes place on the beaches; in Europe, indoor volleyball is still a possibility.
"You hear about football, baseball and basketball and their teammates going pro," said OSU senior libero Ashley Evans. "It's an accomplishment to say you went pro in volleyball because there are not a lot of avenues to go pro in volleyball. You have to be one of the top athletes and really determined to carry on your career. She obviously has worked hard."
At Oregon State, the Santa Rosa, Calif., native had an impressive career, finishing in the OSU record books. At OSU, Stovall whose career began in 2002, is No. 5 all-time with 2,143 assists. On the defensive side, Stovall is No. 25 with 523 digs.
Stovall's transition to the professional game is no surprise to OSU head coach Taras Liskevych, whose first season at the helm was Stovall's senior season. Stovall's ability on the playing surface has transferred her from the playing surface at Gill Coliseum onto courts all across Europe.
"Des was a very good setter," Liskevych said. "She was a gamer. She knew how to direct a team to win a game and match. She was a bit unorthodox, but she got the job done. She rises to the occasion in matches, and I thought she did a really good job for us my first year I was here."
Spain was Stovall's first destination, where she began a career with Voley Murcia. Stovall got her start at Voley Murcia before she became a Beaver. During the winter of her senior year of high school, Stovall traveled to Spain for a chance to practice with the squad and play with its 18s team.
Former Oregon State setter Desma Stovall has made her way from Corvallis to Europe to play professional volleyball, an opportunity that may not have been possible in the United States. In the United States, volleyball after college typically takes place on the beaches; in Europe, indoor volleyball is still a possibility.
"You hear about football, baseball and basketball and their teammates going pro," said OSU senior libero Ashley Evans. "It's an accomplishment to say you went pro in volleyball because there are not a lot of avenues to go pro in volleyball. You have to be one of the top athletes and really determined to carry on your career. She obviously has worked hard."
At Oregon State, the Santa Rosa, Calif., native had an impressive career, finishing in the OSU record books. At OSU, Stovall whose career began in 2002, is No. 5 all-time with 2,143 assists. On the defensive side, Stovall is No. 25 with 523 digs.
Stovall's transition to the professional game is no surprise to OSU head coach Taras Liskevych, whose first season at the helm was Stovall's senior season. Stovall's ability on the playing surface has transferred her from the playing surface at Gill Coliseum onto courts all across Europe.
"Des was a very good setter," Liskevych said. "She was a gamer. She knew how to direct a team to win a game and match. She was a bit unorthodox, but she got the job done. She rises to the occasion in matches, and I thought she did a really good job for us my first year I was here."
Spain was Stovall's first destination, where she began a career with Voley Murcia. Stovall got her start at Voley Murcia before she became a Beaver. During the winter of her senior year of high school, Stovall traveled to Spain for a chance to practice with the squad and play with its 18s team.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Be the first to comment on this story
Comments by registered users are approved by default.