Following years of steady success with Daviess County, Josie Newcom’s powerful and high-flying game has allowed her to sign to play Division I Volleyball at St. Louis University.
“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to play at this level,” Newcom said. “I realize not many athletes get the chance to play beyond high school, let alone at this level. I won’t take it for granted.”
Newcom was a fan of the program during the recruiting process, but after taking a trip to see the campus and facilities she was sold.
“I chose Saint Louis because of the great volleyball tradition, the quality of the school, and the coaches. After my first conversation with Coach Andrea Beaty, I knew it was going to be a great fit for me. After going on my official visit, it confirmed that SLU would be my home for the next four years.”
Newcom is looking forward to suiting up for the Billikens, hoping to make a splash with her new teammates over the next four years.
“As an incoming freshman, I know there will be a lot I’ll have to learn and adjust to,” Newcom said. “But my mentality is always to play and practice as hard as I can, and I hope to be able to come in and contribute right away. My goal is to help SLU volleyball be at the top of the A10 conference.”
Her talent and skill didn’t come out of nowhere though, as it was a long winding journey to get to SLU.
During her sophomore season with the Lady Panthers, Newcom started working out at Southern KY Elite Volleyball Academy and one of her coaches, Caleb Sheffield, told her that she had the athleticism to play at the Division I level. He told her if she worked hard, she could do it—and so she did.
“From that moment, it became my goal and my dream,” Newcom said. “I burned up the road between here and Bowling Green to train year round. It was a lot of work, but when you love something and love the people, it feels less like work and more like fun.”
And it paid off in spades, as she played 80 games in her high school career while racking up 919 kills, 570 digs, 80 blocks, 131 aces, and a total of 253 sets played. 30 of those games 93 of those sets came during her senior season as well, while tallying 400 kills, 171 digs, 32 blocks and 45 aces.
And that is time that Josie will always cherish, as being a Daviess County student athlete has given her countless memories. It’s those same classmates, teachers and coaches that helped create those memories that she is beyond thankful for, knowing that it’s them and their endless support that has helped prepare her for the collegiate level.
“I’ve been blessed to have amazing people around me,” Newcom said. “I’ve had great experiences throughout my high school career that I’ll never forget. I’ll definitely miss playing at Daviess County High School and SKEVA… I always felt a sense of pride wearing that Daviess County jersey. DCHS is a special school. I have loved all of my teachers and coaches while there. I always felt so supported. I’m going to miss wearing that jersey.”
