The 2024 Macalester College volleyball team might be the most diverse college volleyball team in Minnesota.
At this year’s Senior Night, November 2nd, two of the squad’s seven seniors honored on court after the game were Black: Adisa Preston and Torrance Williams.
The two afterwards joined first year players Ella Cohen-Richie and Carmilia Jones, sophomores Alia Sherrow and MiLani Terrell and student manager Adonia Anene and spoke with the MSR about being members of the MIAC’s most diverse volleyball team.
“I love connecting with all the girls of color,” said Jones, 5-8 setter from Orlando, Florida. “I never had a lot of girls that look who look like me, but this is such a great team.”
“I’m going to be honest,” added Preston, 5-8 outside hitter from Eden Prairie. “We’re right there with the HBCUs. It’s absolutely wonderful.”
“Personally, for me, it was a big factor on why I chose this school,” admitted Cohen-Richie, 5-9 outside hitter from Chicago. Her aunt, Laural Richie, the first ever Black female president of a major league (WNBA president, 2011-15) was in the stands that night to watch her niece play.
“I’ve never seen a team that has had this many Black women on a team together, and almost just women of color in general,” added Cohen-Richie.
The 5-4 Williams, a defensive specialist from Houston, Texas pointed out, “I think volleyball is also a sport that needs to progress. But it’s really cool to be included in the community in a school that cares for us and wants to recruit more of us.”
“It’s been easy to come here and be comfortable, and feel inclusive,” reaffirmed Anene.
“I think it’s really important,” believed Terrell, 5-7 outside hitter from Cypress, Texas. “When I was younger, I didn’t really see so many girls that look like me in the sport. So, I think it’s important to see our team (so diverse) because it just sheds light on the importance of seeing diversity in all sports.
“It also helps the generation beneath me to be inspired to do things that they believe they can’t do. So, it’s really important,” noted Terrell.
Said Sherrow, 5-10 middle blocker from Chattanooga, Tennessee, “I’ve never been on a team this diverse… It’s very inclusive environment.”
“I feel like our program truly embodies what it means to be inclusive and to belong,” concluded Preston. “I’m so glad that we were able to be a part of that to help. I absolutely can’t wait to see what the future holds for Macalester.”
A great opening night crowd
The Macalester men’s basketball team fell to Luther 53-46 Nov. 8 in its 2024-25 season opener.
In addition to the students and parents, there were plenty of youngsters in attendance in the St. Paul campus’ Leonard Center.
Head Coach Abe Woldeslassie told us afterwards, “We do a lot of outreach to let people know free admission and a great chance to see college basketball. Not everyone can afford maybe a pro game or a Division I game.
“To come see us on opening night, I loved their energy. We had the band and our student section.”
The Scots face Wartburg Saturday afternoon in the Leonard Center.
“I hope they enjoyed themselves and hope they come back,” concluded Woldeslassie.