By Abigail Kondovodoff
Sarah Skelton is the third Skelton to attend Fordham University. A freshman on the volleyball team and a sophomore when it comes to classes due to her graduating high school early, Skelton enrolled in last spring semester and jumped right into training with the team.
The transition was relatively easy, as Skelton stated, “I am a very social person, so being able t o make friends right off the bat surely helped. I was very nervous, and could not have done it without the amazing people I met and have continued to develop great friendships with, especially my teammates.”
Skelton sat back and laughed, “I basically had 10 guaranteed friends before I even got to campus.”
Ultimately, Sarah chose to attend Fordham for the opportunity to play volleyball. But, Fordham has been a part of her life since 2006, when her oldest brother, John, GSB ’10, first attended Fordham.
“My family never once pushed me to come here,” Sarah said, “I definitely kept my options open, but at the end of the day I knew Fordham was where I wanted to be.”
Skelton was enticed further by Fordham due to the happiness and success she had seen both of her brothers have. Her brothers John and Steven, GSB ’11, both played football here for the Rams, and even went on to compete at the highest level possible, the NFL.
Seeing the success Fordham brought her brothers helped Sarah Skelton narrow down her collegiate choices, but she never expected it to be like this.
“I see Fordham in a much different light now that I am a student,” Sarah stated. “I was only in junior high when my brother attended, so I didn’t exactly understand how much of a great opportunity attending Fordham was for them.”
Sarah Skelton was welcomed to the volleyball team with open arms. “I would say she [Sarah] wasted no time adapting to the college level of play, and from the time she started playing her freshman year she was able to be a strong presence on the court and make a noticeable difference during her rotations.” Sophomore middle blocker Kristen Ostach stated. Being one of her closest friends, Ostach smiled and said, “I can’t wait to play with her in the years to come.”
Sarah was not pressured to pursue a family legacy here at Fordham, but she has created waves on her own. Although the Fordham volleyball team had a rough season (3-11 conference, 3-25 overall), Skelton was able to make a positive difference in each match.
As a freshman in the world of volleyball, Sarah Skelton played in all 27 matches this season, as well as starting in 18.
Her teammates applaud her aggressiveness and trust her when she is on the court calling for the ball.
The volleyball team is hoping to change its luck next season with the addition of three, potentially four more girls. As for Sarah Skelton, she is hungry for more.
“For me, this season hurt my pride,” Skelton stated, “But all those losses reminded me why I really play the game. I love this sport, and I’m determined to not let this horrible season ruin that.
