Becoming a Jayhawk

Future Jayhawk Alexis Strait flanked by her parents Kevin and Desirae Strait

Alexis Strait takes her game to the next level

White Cloud Scholar Athlete Alexis Strait recently made it official when she signed a letter of intent to take her substantial volleyball skills to MCC.
With a backdrop of decor celebrating  years of competing for the Cloud comingling with some items from the school she'll be attending this fall, Strait posed with family, teammates, and the coaches of both her high school years and her upcoming college years.
The coach from high school also happened to be her Mom.

We asked Coach Desirae Strait about seeing her player/daughter move to the next level and  the experience of coaching her.
“As a parent, Alexis has always dreamed of playing volleyball at the collegiate level. She practiced countless hours and was always dedicated to driving hours to games, tournaments and practices. When she decided to play volleyball at MCC, we, her dad and I, were so excited because we could continue to watch her grow!  
“As a coach, she was so fun to coach!!  Her interest and determination to make her team better was like no other.  She was a great leader on the court and will be missed this coming year. She has left a huge impact on White Cloud Volleyball.”
 
We also were able to catch up with the busy senior to pose a few questions.
 
What was it about MCC that made it the right choice for you? 
I have always been interested in playing volleyball in college, for me it was just about finding the place that made me feel comfortable. MCC is that place- it isn’t far from home, I am familiar with the area, and I know most of the girls on the team pretty well already. Those reasons are why and how I knew MCC was the place for me.

When did you know vball was your sport? How did your interest in the game grow?
I have known volleyball was my sport for a very long time, ever since I was little my goal was to play collegiate volleyball.

With Mom as coach I am certain she has been a big part of your growth as a player. What other mentors have been instrumental in your development?
My mom was by far my biggest mentor throughout my volleyball journey. She is the reason I started playing in the first place. My mom had coached JV when I was a little girl and ever since, my love for volleyball has just been increasingly stronger. I have had a few club coaches that have helped my game tremendously. Ted Edsall and Shane Balcom have been very important to my volleyball career as well.

You’ve had some memorable matches in your hs career. Any that stand out?
One match that I will never forget was Districts this year. We played Hesperia in the  finals, and I can honestly say that going into that game we had a huge chip on our shoulders. My freshman year we lost to Hesperia in District finals, so when we beat them this year it was the best feeling ever. I have never experienced winning a district title and it is by far the best feeling!

You have been a force on the basketball team as well as on the vball court. What will you miss about suiting it up for WCHS?
I will miss the pre-game things that happen before our team goes out on the court- the laughs, the music, the dance parties- so many laughs were shared before games and that is something that I will miss.

There are underclassmen and middle schoolers at WC who likely are well aware of your success. Any words for them? What would you advise if they want to take their game beyond HS?
My words for underclassmen and any younger kids would be to take some time to appreciate your teammates and the time you have with them. I may never see some of my teammates again and it is actually sad to think about. Enjoy high school sports while you can, and if you want to play college sports make sure you get your name out to colleges as soon as you can. Keep in contact with coaches and you will eventually find the right school for you. A big part of it is just believing in yourself, and knowing that you can do it.

Have a career in mind? Any plans post MCC?
After MCC, I plan on transferring to GVSU to get a degree in psychology and to eventually become a child psychologist.

Anything else you would like to add?
I would just like to thank White Cloud for the past 4 years, I will never forget the memories I have made in school and sports! I am so lucky to have such a strong support system!