My Volleyball Story: Lexie Gleasman

Each Wednesday throughout the summer, Montana volleyball student-athletes will tell their volleyball stories. Read, in their own words, what the sport means to them and where their passion and drive comes from.

My Volleyball Story: Lexie Gleasman

My earliest memory of volleyball came from running around the gym while my mom was coaching the local high school team in my hometown of Chelan, Washington. My mom coaching was very influential on me pursuing the sport. In middle school I joined the 7^th grade team, because in a small town that is what you do, and of course all my friends were playing. I quickly picked up the basics, and as I learned more about the game I began dedicating time to club programs in order to further develop my skills.

Lexie Gleasman old

When entering high school, I had no idea the importance that volleyball would eventually hold in my life. In a small town, sports are more than just extracurricular activities; they are what bring the town together. In high school I remained a three-sport athlete, but volleyball was by far my favorite. My favorite memories of volleyball were home games at my high school with the supportive student section, as well as my entire family there to cheer me on. Throughout my high school career, the volleyball program got progressively better, and my junior and senior seasons I took on leadership roles and was blessed with memories and friendships to last a lifetime.

Lexie Gleasman old

Throughout volleyball, I have had many coaches and people by my side along the way. Besides my parents and family driving me to practices hours away on school nights, and traveling around the country for tournaments, there are three other people who have played a huge role in my love for volleyball.

Wade Benson is the reason I am where I am today. He was my club coach for three years out of Spokane, which is three hours from Chelan. My family would drive three hours each way for practice, on school nights, two times a week. Wade pushed me beyond limits I didn't know I had, yet he was my biggest cheerleader and the person who helped be get to the next level. I would not have the opportunities I currently have, or be where I am, without his coaching and the endless time and effort he poured into me. The next person who was influential is Melanie Froman. She was one of my high school coaches all four years while playing at Chelan. She helped me grow outside of the game of volleyball, and I truly would not have been able to make it through all four years if I didn't have her to look to while I was playing. She was someone who knew exactly what to say and when to say it. Mel was my rock. The last person, and CERTAINLY not least, is Traci Hart (Boyd). Miss Hart was another one of my high school coaches, while also being my geometry teacher and one of my basketball coaches. She, again, was someone who was there to talk far beyond a sport. She was there to support me through life, she was knowledgeable and she was someone I trusted beyond measures.

I didn't know I wanted to continue playing volleyball beyond high school until I was a junior. I was always set on basketball, but I felt that volleyball would provide me with more opportunities. I love playing for Montana because of the community feel. Growing up in a small town, support and cohesiveness is as must, and I feel like Griz volleyball has provided that for me.

Lexie Gleasman practice

University of Montana Athletics

Players Mentioned

Lexie Gleasman

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