August 26^th, 2016

Erika Barbour joined the Lady Falcons in 2016 from Rio Rancho, New Mexico.  Her freshman season had a promising start with her leading the Falcons in kills in her first couple matches, only to face a major setback that would derail her season.  A nagging injury to her right tricep sidelined Barbour for a large portion of the 2015 season.

Barbour returned for post season play as the Falcons advanced to the regionals in Pensacola, Florida last November.  Her eight-week hiatus had put a major damper on her freshman season.  However, Barbour took this time to refocus and recommit to the game of volleyball and equally committed to her overall fitness and strength.

She has since come full circle from the adversity of her injury and has developed into a more complete player.  The injury forced her to focus on her mechanics and through a combination of strength training and a commitment to her form and technique, Barbour has redefined herself as a heavy swinging outside hitter that can be an impact to the program as a six rotational outside. 

Equally important has been Barbour's commitment to growing as a leader.  In her sophomore season, Barbour has assumed a role as a captain in the Falcon Volleyball program.  Her commitment to excellence on the volleyball court, in the weight room, and her overall commitment to personal and team excellence has garnered her the respect of her coaches and teammates.

Barbour is proof that hard work does pay off.  She recently made her commitment to head down the street next fall to play with the Eagles of Embry-Riddle.  Barbour will have an opportunity to play an immediate role in the Eagle's offense next fall.  Her height and athleticism will afford her the opportunity to be a key player in their program, as well as, the Sunshine State Conference. 

"I am so excited for Barbour.  She has truly evolved as a student-athlete and has utilized Daytona State to develop as a leader, as well as, improve her mechanics and gain strength.  She will be a dominant force at the division II level.  We are very grateful we have had the opportunity to be a part of her growth and development, and to have the opportunity to forge a relationship with such a unique and special individual," commented Coach Stegall on Barbour's recent commitment.

Barbour and her teammates are excited to see what the 2016 season has to offer. Stegall's closing comments reiterated the big role that Barbour has on the program, "Barbour will have a big impact on the Falcon Volleyball program this season. I am excited to see the continued growth of her game in the next couple of months as she assists her teammates in the pursuit of their goals for the season."

Barbour is equally impressive in the classroom, boasting a near perfect grade point average.  The sky is the limit for this young lady as she makes the most of her sophomore season and advances on to play volleyball at Embry-Riddle University.

The Falcons open up this weekend in Tampa, at the Hillsborough Community College Kick Off Tournament.