Brandon Larrick, a freshman at Indiana University Kokomo, has played basketball since he was five years old. His decision to play for IUK came unexpectedly.

Photo: Brandon Larrick shows off his skills at the Cougars' first home basketball game.

“At first I was content on not playing in college, but Jake Robertson called me one day and talked me into coming out to an open gym that Coach Thompson was having. Jake told me I would miss basketball and he convinced me to play.” 

Larrick attended several open gyms before tryouts, which for him, weren’t as terrifying as he’d expected. “It wasn’t what I had anticipated. It was more or less just a couple open gyms.  Coach relied on how you looked in the open gym as well as your high school stats.” 

Brandon graduated from Western High School, where he also participated in baseball.  He grew up with two sisters and two brothers, one of whom is his twin. The boys played sports together all through grade school. “It is weird this year not having him on the court,” Larrick says. 

Although play is different for him, Larrick hopes to continue playing for IUK for the next few years. He is very familiar with the court and has played several different positions: “I played everywhere in the past, from point guard to center. I am currently a forward and center.” 

His knowledge of the game gives him a good leg up, as he is one of the youngest players on the team. Regardless of the age difference, the team seems to be working well together. “We try everyday to push each other in practice to make practice seem like a game scenario.  It’s hard to imitate the speed and flow of the game in practice, but we are all working well together, so we continue to make progress.” 

Larrick has put a lot of effort into the season so far, and is a leader for the team. Even as a freshman, Brandon has managed to put points on the board each game, and has proven to be a well-rounded player. As the games continue, Larrick hopes to carry on improving his play as an individual, as well as a team player.

Story by Bailey Stage, Staff Writer

The Indiana University Kokomo Volleyball team closed out its season with a pleasing record. It was a season to remember, especially as it was the beginning of a new tradition. Players Krista Armstrong, Shelby Spall, Payton Landseadel, Emily West, Lael Burris, Jenna Pelling, Rachael Williams, Alex Wylie, and Lizz Barney were the daring girls that began the journey of the first ever IUK volleyball team, and this is a team that will go down in history.

Although it wasn’t always easy, the girls pulled through to make the first year a successful one. For each girl, it was an experience she will not forget. Between practices and games, they all had ups and downs, but were all in agreement as to what was their ultimate high.

The Lady Cougars prepare for the game. Photo Provided by Nicholas Parkhurst

On October 6, 2011, the girls stepped foot on their home court for the last time of the year. It was the last home game, and each and every one of them had determination in their hearts. The team put the night to use as they spent every minute growing stronger and proving more and more who they were and what they stood for. It was the last home game and they were determined to go out with a bang. The night ended with scores of 25-17, 24-26, 25-18, and 27-2, an overall win for the Cougars.

Their night was nothing short of victorious, and their season was nothing less than amazing. The girls made new friendships and learned more than they could’ve ever imagined. It was the beginning of something new, but nothing more than the end of a season. The players are all excited to come back next year and rekindle the flame that ignited with the founding of the IUK Women’s Volleyball Cougars.

by Bailey Stage