STAUNTON - Alyx Steitz wasn't sure she was good enough to play NCAA Division I volleyball, but her mom convinced her to at least contact a few schools.
So Steitz, who graduated from Robert E. Lee High School this year, reached out to a few, sending an email and a video of her playing volleyball. Then Norfolk State reached back and told her they were interested.
"They said I could be a great addition to the team," Steitz said. "Which surprised me because I didn't think a Division I school would even email me back."
Steitz helped lead Lee High to the state championship game in her junior year. Shoulder issues limited her effectiveness this past season, but she still was a key part of the team.
"This is very exciting for me because I have always felt Alyx has had tremendous potential, but injuries have held her back for most of her high school career, " said Jan Williams, Lee High's volleyball coach during Steitz's time at the school. "I look forward to seeing her excel at the next level."
Steitz said the shoulder was feeling better, but the injury was still something she worries about. She's hoping the athletic training staff at Norfolk State can help her.
Steitz will probably play middle blocker for the Spartans. The team finished 3-23 last season, playing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
Norfolk State will open next season Aug. 31 at a tournament in Washington, D.C. The Spartans will play Georgetown, UNC-Wilmington, Pennsylvania and George Mason in the two-day tournament. Practice starts Aug. 9.
Steitz knows it will be a difficult transition, going from high school to college volleyball.
"You could have been the star on the varsity team and now you're going into a D1 school," she said. "You may not be as good as you think. You have to take a step up."
Before moving to Staunton, Steitz lived in Virginia Beach, not far from Norfolk State. Her father still lives there, so it won't be a big change for her.
"It's still scary," she said.
Steitz plans on majoring in criminal justice at Norfolk State with the hopes of pursuing a career in law enforcement after college.