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LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – When Muscatine High School graduate Steph Nagy signed with Division I Rider University last year, she wasn’t guaranteed playing time in her first season.

With no guarantees, Nagy worked as hard as possible to play for the Broncs. As a result, Nagy has started in every one of Rider’s 18 matches.

“Last spring, when I committed, I talked to coach Emily Ahlquist about playing,” Nagy said. “She said I had to earn the playing time and I worked toward that, and I’m really, really happy I’ve been starting every game. I play my best for the team.”

Ahlquist said it doesn’t matter that Nagy is just a freshman.

“We don’t base our starting lineup on age,” Ahlquist said. “She can still play. Her work ethic, energy and willingness to learn is fantastic and she’s very smart.”

Word has gotten back to former Muscatine High School varsity volleyball head coach Dave Kerr that Nagy has been in the Rider starting lineup all season.

“I hear from Dion (Steph’s father), and he’s absolutely thrilled – great for her,” Kerr said. “I would assume not (that she is already starting), but the program is building and she fits in with the program. I know she will do her best and what is required of her. She’s really coachable, plus really smart. She listens, and that’s great.”

Nagy, a 6-foot middle blocker, said she’s already learned a lot in the early part of the season, and has worked hard to make the transition from high school volleyball to the college game.

“The quickness of the game – it is so much faster,” Nagy said. “There is a big jump. The games are faster, the play is faster and you have to get to the block faster. I have to do work during the spring semester to do conditioning and get stronger and faster. Next year, I know the coaches will harp on me about that.

“I’ve learned a lot. There is a lot of footwork that goes into being a middle hitter, and there is such a small point of time that you need to get off the net and go block. I’ve also learned technique on my arm swing, so I can avoid a shoulder injury.”

When talking about Nagy’s future, conditioning is something Ahlquist mentioned.

“I think she will have a fantastic career here,” Ahlquist said, “as she gets stronger and builds on what she does during the spring season with weight training. She’ll continue to become better.”

Sunday, the Broncs earned their third win of the season, making them 3-15 to date. That is something Nagy has had to deal with after a successful senior season at MHS.

“In high school, we didn’t do very well until my senior season,” Nagy said. “I’m not worried about it. I’m trying really hard, and I already know what it’s like (to not have a winning record). I’m prepared mentally and I know our record is not as good as I want it, but it only makes me work harder to get ready.”

Nagy’s parents, Dion and Michelle, moved to Lethbridge, Alberta (Canada) during the summer and have not been able to see her play. She’s looking forward to their visit next month.

“They are going to come the weekend of Oct. 23-24 when we play Manhattan and Siena,” Steph said. “Dad has always been there, a coach for me and it’s been hard for them not to see me. Last week they got to watch a match on the computer, and they always call afterward.”

To date, Nagy has tallied 42 kills, three solo blocks, 24 block assists, 10 digs and eight assists this season.

Nagy and Haley Wilson of Williamsburg were playing club volleyball with the Iowa City Rockets when Ahlquist noticed Nagy.

“We have players from all over the country,” Ahlquist said. “We have six freshmen and six seniors. We’re trying to recruit better. Right now we have an interesting dynamic. The first year players are doing a good job of learning and the seniors are doing a good job teaching.”

The coaches have encouraged Nagy to become a better student of the game.

“Every other week, we have a one-on-one meeting with coach (Ahlquist),” Nagy said. “We talk about how school, family and volleyball are going, what we need to work on. They expect a lot out of us, but they are really encouraging.”

Everything Nagy has contributed to the Broncs has been a positive, Ahlquist said.

“She’s brought a lot to Rider,” Ahlquist said. “She’s got height and wisdom, great reach and has great energy on the floor.”

Getting to know Steph Nagy

- School: Rider University

- Sport: Volleyball

- High school: Muscatine

- Parents: Dion and Michelle Nagy (who live in Alberta, Canada)

- Year: Freshman

- Height: 6-0

- Position: Middle hitter

- Major: Biology, emphasis pre-med

Alumni watch

Every other Tuesday, the Muscatine Journal will profile a former high school athlete from the area that is playing college athletics. If you know of an athlete the Journal should feature, contact sports editor Matt Coss at 563-262-0528 or matt.coss@muscatinejournal.com.