One of only two West Virginia girls on the team, Bridgeport High School alumna Emily Griffith helped to power the Bethany College Bison Volleyball Team to a winning 2016 season. The freshman setter who was a four-year varsity starter for the Lady Indians and selected First Team All-County and Big Ten Co-Player  of the Year, said she knew several months ago when she signed a letter of intent to play at the northern panhandle liberal arts school that she had made the right decision.

 

“I just loved the campus,” said Griffith in May of 2016. “The buildings are beautiful and very classic – and it’s a very old campus.”

 

She offered similar positive remarks about the volleyball program.

 

 “The current coaches are creating a very nice program at Bethany,” she said. “I left excited about being a part of it.”

 

She stands by those words and now that she has a year of play under her belt, she has more positive words about the program.

 

“The girls are talented, driven and encouraging,” she said. “Some of them are my best friends here at Bethany.”

 

The Division III Bisons finished their season with 25 wins and 12 losses and for the first time in school history, won the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.

 

“Everyone here is extremely proud of that,” she said.

 

The 5' 7" Griffith wears No. 15 for the Bisons. Also from West Virginia is No. 32, outside hitter, Rachel Cantzer of Morgantown.

Serving as head coach is Courtney Kline with Glamarys Sierra and Will Kline, assistants.

 

During her high school career, Griffith totaled over 2,500 assists. In addition to being chosen First Team All-State and Big Ten Co-Player of the Year – along with Philip-Barbour’s Jezaray Clark Casto – in 2015, she was also Second Team All-State in 2014, First Team All-Big 10 in 2013 and 2014. She is also a charter member of the Mountain Rage Volleyball Club where she played five seasons, competing in numerous USA Volleyball tournaments including the USA Volleyball Beach Tour in 2015. 

   

At Bethany College, Griffith pursues an interdisciplinary major, studying religion, psychology and culture.

 

“I have a passion for all three of these, though I’m still not quire decided on where I want it to take me,” she said.

 

She looks forward to the continuation of her studies and of her game.

 

“I loved my first year with Bethany volleyball and can’t wait to continue with it,” she said. “I have a lot of work to do, but it’s a team that I am excited to elevate my game with.”

 

Griffith is the daughter of Beth and Brian Griffith of Bridgeport.