Sports Editor: Donny Chiarel
WINGATE, N.C. — Wingate head coach Shelton Collier brought in four freshmen for his incoming class in the fall of 2018. One of those four was Kasey Eastland, a defensive specialist from Burke, V.A. Entering her final season, Eastland is not taking a day for granted.
“Every day, I think about how this is my last year,” Eastland said. “With everyone back from the spring, it still feels like I have another season. It hasn’t really hit me yet, but I’m sure it will soon.”
Eastland has had a memorable career at Wingate, including a trip to the NCAA National Quarterfinals, multiple South Atlantic Conference championships, and an appearance at the American Volleyball Coaches Association National Championship in Dallas, T.X.
Alongside Eastland are Molly Lambillotte, Shannon Kasprak, and Reese Blackley, the three seniors she signed with. They have created a special relationship in their time on campus.
“We have created an amazing bond that will last forever,” Eastland said. “I can count on them for anything. They are also some of the best teammates on the court to help push me to be better.”
“The three of them are some of the hardest working people I have ever met,” Eastland said.
Her teammates have had an incredible impact, as well as her coaches, Collier and associate head coach Lauren Tekavec.
“They have taught me that there is so much to the game of volleyball,” Eastland said. “Not only do you have to be technical and tactical, but you have to be giving 100% of yourself to your teammates to be the best.”
Through eight games, Eastland still knows what needs to be done the rest of the season.
“My biggest goal is to be the best player I can be towards my teammates,” Eastland said. “I try to bring as much energy as I can. If I can make the players around me better, then I am making myself better.”
Wingate Triangle 