By Emma Hawkins
Southern Conference (SoCon) Setter of the Week — a title held not once, but twice by Samford’s very own sophomore Shea Bruntmyer in a single season.
With 126 assists in merely three games, she is recognized for outstanding athleticism on the court, work ethic and a genuine hunger for her sport. Bruntmyer eats, sleeps and breathes volleyball — being the first to the gym in the morning and the last to leave.
“I’ve always been a ball hog — I want to be in control, I want to touch the ball every play, and being setter allows me to do that,” said Bruntmyer. “I’m the connector of the offense and defense — the connector of the team on and off the court.”
Growing up, her eyes became peeled on volleyball. Three times a week, she would travel several hours away to play for a club in Dallas. Being a student-athlete had a different meaning for her than most in terms of dedication and pursuit. She consistently pushed herself by asking the question: what type of teammate and person do I want to be?
She earned a spot on the LSU volleyball team and it was full steam ahead. The season was decent, average, but not empty. However, it lacked a soul.
“I wanted a spiritual and emotional connection to that team, and I couldn’t find it,” said Bruntmyer, making the decision to transfer to Samford in December of her freshman year. Here she found exactly what she was looking for: her heart was in every game and the team became sisters, a harmony. A setter’s job cannot be done without a pass and cannot be completed without a swing. Team cohesion is a necessity.
“I couldn’t do it without my team. They give me the confidence to run this offense and make me look good doing it,” said Bruntmyer.
When she comes face-to-face with the net, she is faced with its height and her competitor mirrored on the other side. Bruntmyer is 5-foot-8, small for a setter.
“I can’t make up for my height, but I can make up in my athleticism. My IQ side of the game needed to go up when I accepted that I was small for my position.” said Bruntmyer.
The Samford team runs a 5-1, meaning she can set from any position on the court and is the permanent setter of the game. Her role is crucial — she needs strategy and the ability to read a play before it happens.
Bruntmyer’s role on the team is not limited to setting, however.
“I do the dirtiest jobs and sweep the floor — a servant leader that’s able to bring this team together in multiple ways.” said Bruntmyer. “But without my teammates, I wouldn’t be where I am and won what I’ve won, but especially without God and my faith.”
This SoCon recognition was closure to Bruntmyer, a material representation of how her commitment and effort paid off. She will hold the title of Setter of the Week in her heart for not just two weeks, but forever.
