Former Owensboro standout Krystell Pappas has decided to make her way closer to home, transferring to the University of Evansville to continue her volleyball career at the collegiate level.
In her senior season at Owensboro High School Pappas registered 200 assists, 163 digs, 100 kills and 52 aces. She played two years at Utica, racking up 13 kills, 71 assists, 397 digs, 45 aces in 25 matches during her freshman season and 17 kills, 15 aces, 390 digs, 42 assists in 27 matches during her sophomore season to get named to the Empire 8 All-Tournament Team and the title of Empire 8 Sportswoman of the Year.
While Pappas enjoyed her first two years at Utica, after debating on whether or not to transfer she is thrilled in knowing that she has found her perfect fit academically and athletically. And while she didn’t mind being away from home, joining Evansville and being within an hour from was an added benefit to come from her decision.
“Although I loved my time at Utica University, there was just that feeling that it was time to come back closer to home,” Pappas said. “I had been thinking about transferring for awhile as I only have two years left of eligibility and want to make them count. After speaking to coach Fernando for some time and then taking a visit, I just knew it was where I wanted to be.”
When she took a visit last December Krystell felt a sense of home, given that the campus itself and its personnel fit the style of school she loves.
“I love the smaller university feel it has. I have never been a fan of huge colleges, so Evansville is perfect,” Pappas said. “Also, the university staff was very helpful, making my transfer so much easier.”
Pappas will also be joining another familiar face from Owensboro, as former Lady Panther Lexie Owen will be in her freshman year with Evansville this season. Along with the many players that Krystell met, it was the coaching staff and the culture that they have built that sold her on her decision to transfer.
“One of the big things that stood out to me was the coaching staff,” Pappas said. “Coach Fernando has many years of experience in the game (being a decorated player himself), as well as the rest of the coaching staff. The program also stood out to me as the team was very welcoming and made me feel comfortable right off the bat. Lastly, there is a lot of talent on the team, and I believe it’s going to be an amazing year.”
Krystell said she’s thankful for the opportunity to compete amongst a talented program, while also having the opportunity to continue her studies—in which she is on the Pre-Pt track to getting a bachelor’s in exercise science before planning to attend grad school to study physical therapy. But most of all she is ready to get right to work with her future teammates and coaching staff, looking forward to growing individually and as a team with the hopes of a huge season in mind.
“I look forward to learning as much as possible from my coaches and expanding my knowledge of the game, having an amazing season, and playing with such a talented group of girls,” Pappas said.
