Taking the Next Step

By: Ally Batenhorst

Let’s face it, I’m not exactly an LA girl. Growing up in a suburb of Houston, with all my extended family in Nebraska, my two sisters and I fell in love with volleyball. Each of us played at the collegiate level so when I got the opportunity to continue my playing career at a blue-blood volleyball school, Nebraska, be with my family and stay close to home, I couldn’t pass it up. But after three incredible years as a Cornhusker, I also couldn’t pass up the opportunity to finish my collegiate career at USC and take the next step personally, academically and athletically to keep pushing myself forward. 

So I fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving out west, to the land of opportunity, to make the most of mine. I’ve been a part of some of the biggest moments on the biggest stages in our sport. But the LA lights always shine just that little bit brighter. I owed it to myself to make the most of my final season. To find a new home that would set me up for success in my professional career and beyond volleyball.

I wanted to take the next step on the court. To be a leader. To push myself and grow my game. USC was, and is, the perfect place for me to do just that.

This program is on the come up and I wanted to be a part of its growth. Earlier this season, we broke the home attendance record in our match against UCLA. Things like this matter and I want to continue to use my platform to create positive change not just for USC women’s volleyball, but for volleyball as a whole, and women’s sports in general.

I played in the record-smashing game in Memorial Stadium last season, in front of more than 92,000 volleyball fans in Lincoln. And I can say without hesitation that it was one of the best days of my life.

The fireworks. The fanfare. The drones. All of it was insane. 

I don’t think any of us realized how monumental that game would be. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I want to continue to be a part of moments like these and to use my platform to continue growing women’s sports.

Having played in games like that, multiple national championship games and having trained day-in and day-out in the dynasty culture at Nebraska, I’m used to the situations that make others uncomfortable: the highest pressure situations, the biggest crowds, the most important moments. There’s a certain level of expectation, and I can bring that standard to USC. Leading by example every day to show my teammates that those moments are where true character is built.

That mindset and those experiences are what gave me the courage to do what I needed to do and take my next step. 

Of course, it hasn’t been without its challenges and I wouldn’t be able to do any of it without the support of my family. My parents have still traveled to as many games as they can, and I know the support that I have from them isn’t the norm. I’m so lucky to have them and have my sisters, who empathize with what I'm going through and I can lean on in the toughest moments. 

This season has been incredible - on and off the court. Was it a culture shock coming to LA? Yes. But the people here, my teammates and coaches, everyone that’s a part of the Trojan Family has made it such an easy transition for me. The combination of academics and athletics that I’ve been able to experience has been exactly what I was looking for. As I pursue my Master’s Degree in Digital Media Management from Annenberg, I’m looking forward to the future and so excited about what it holds, but I’m also able to take advantage of my platform and current opportunities in a way I’ve never been able to before. And did I mention how beautiful this campus is? Or the weather!? 

I’m keeping my options open for what comes after college. Of course, I want to play professionally, but as I’m sure you can tell by now, it’s about more than just that for me. This year has been an incredible lesson in taking the chance, embracing change and doing what’s best for you. I’ve been able to grow so much as a person and a player since taking the plunge and moving out west. 

And I plan to continue doing just that. 

Pushing myself to be the best athlete that I can be. Taking advantage of my opportunities beyond volleyball. Using my platform to grow women’s sports and leave them better than I found them. It’s always about doing what’s right and taking that next step.