Spike • Alexis
Crimes adds power to the LBSU women’s
volleyball team. File Photo
Crimes
arrests
LBSU competition
By Kim Oswell
Online Forty-Niner
Sports Editor
The strength of the women’s volleyball team relies on heavy hitters and
players who perform with a competitive edge. Long Beach State’s 11-4 overall
record can be traced down to one such player, the hard-working Alexis Crimes.
The sophomore middle blocker is the model of talent and determination that helps
LBSU strive for greatness.
Crimes was born in Honolulu and raised in the Antelope Valley. She graduated
from Etiwanda High School and then came to LBSU. She spent last summer playing
for the USA Women’s Junior National Team that played in Turkey, where she
was named “Best Attacker.”
Considering this is only her fourth year playing volleyball, she has far exceeded
the realm of just being good. Her obvious natural talent is evident in her achievements
and awards.
She was named Big West Freshman of the Year, AVCA West Region Freshman
of the Year, AVCA All-West Region, First-Team All-Big West and Third-Team AVCA
All-American.
Crimes admits she stumbled upon volleyball by accident when she and her friend
decided to play in high school.
“ I like the intensity of the game. It’s a challenge and everyday
the sport is growing,” said Crimes. “I know it will get more popular
and it can be something great.”
When she isn’t averaging 3.88 kills or 1.25 blocks per game, Crimes enjoys
reading, watching her favorite television show, “Girlfriends,” and
hanging out with her friends in the dorms.
Her favorite movie is “Love
and Basketball” and she said if she wasn’t playing volleyball, she
would be playing basketball.
She proudly wears No. 34 on her jersey in honor of her favorite athlete, Shaquille
O’Neal.
Crimes has a passion for track and field because she used to run track before
she became involved in volleyball. Her competitive nature drives her toward excellence
and becoming the best player she can be.
“
We have a very good team. We just lost to UCSB, but I know we can finish this
season with a win, hopefully extending into championships,” said Crimes.
The women’s volleyball team’s next home game is Oct. 14 in The Walter
Pyramid.
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