Laura Homann’s bubbly personality isn’t what you’d expect to see from a Division I collegiate athlete.

But whether it’s her enthusiastic demeanor or that consistent smile, the freshman setter from St. Charles, Ill., consistently brings an optimistic approach to the Syracuse volleyball team.

‘Personality-wise, she’s a very happy-go-lucky kid,’ SU assistant coach Carol LaMarche said. ‘The girls joke that everything is ‘butterflies and rainbows.’ She’s just a positive person, in general.’

It’s that very attitude that has served as a positive reinforcement on the volleyball court for the Orange through 23 games this season, where she’s made a significant contribution as the ‘quarterback’ of the team.

After coming off the bench in SU’s first two matches of the season, Homann has started 21 consecutive matches, helping the Orange to an 18-5 record.

Syracuse’s record and Homann’s statistics indicate that she has the tools to be a big-time collegiate player. Her 859 assists account for 84 percent of the team’s total, and she earned Freshman of the Week honors in the Big East following the first week of the season.

That early success, combined with Homann’s on-court demeanor has earned the praise of her teammates.

‘She stepped in when we needed her and she’s doing a good job,’ said senior captain Sarah Morton. ‘Every point has to go through her, and she’s done a good job at being able to lead the team on the court and give the ball to players to put the points away.’

While in high school, Homann was twice named to the Illinois All-State team, and was also named a Prep Volleyball All-American after leading her team to the Illinois state championship as a senior.

Homann admits that the transition to college-level volleyball wasn’t easy, especially as a freshman starter at such a key position on the court. But she insists that the transition would have been much more difficult without the help and encouragement of her teammates.

‘All of the upperclassmen and sophomores are so supportive,’ Homann said. ‘It makes it easier, but it’s completely different than anything I’ve played before. It’s a lot of adjusting.’

Although Homann’s statistics and accolades may indicate that volleyball dominates her time, her teammates and coaches say that her outgoing personality is what stands out most about her.

Despite what she can do on the volleyball court, Homann is defined by her unwavering positive attitude, which members of the team say provides a constant source of encouragement.

‘She has a consistent attitude out there whether we’re doing well or we’re doing poorly,’ LaMarche said. ‘You know that Laura’s head is going to be stable, which is what you want from a setter.’

As Homann assumed a leadership role on the team so early in her career, her future as a major part of the Syracuse volleyball program appears bright. In fact, with a little work on her vocal skills during games, LaMarche believes that she can become an official leader and representative of the team.

‘I think that she has the potential [to be a captain],’ LaMarche said. ‘You want your captain to be a vocal player, but also a player who shows by example. She’s getting more comfortable with every practice and every game, so I think she could get there.’

jakrakow@syr.edu