For Hannah Benson, Oklahoma Bible Academy volleyball is about more than what happens between the lines. It is about knowing her teammates, recognizing their strengths and learning how to respond when a match does not go her way.

The senior values the personal connections she has developed while playing for the Lady Trojans, where a smaller program has given those relationships room to grow.

“I love how close my teammates and I are. We have a smaller volleyball program at OBA, so that allows us to know each other more personally than if we had a larger team. I got to appreciate specific qualities in each of my teammates that I still admire to this day,” Benson said.

Those relationships also provide examples for Benson to follow. Former teammate Ashlyn Young, a member of the Class of 2026, made an impression through her approach to competition.

“My former teammate Ashlyn Young (class of 2026) really inspired me through her hard work. She always played her best and gave it her all, and I want to do the same.”

For Benson, giving her best includes managing the mental side of volleyball. Rather than allowing frustration to carry into the next play, she has learned to focus on how she can help her team.

“Volleyball has taught me how to move on from past mistakes and make changes. It is so easy to let one mistake turn into a whole run of mistakes that can cost the game. I had to learn to be mentally strong and move on from my mistake so I could still benefit the team and positively influence the trajectory of the game.”

Her school involvement extends beyond volleyball. Benson serves as a track manager, competes in Anatomage and participates on the SPUD team. After high school, she plans to pursue a career in health care. Her plans will take her from competing alongside her teammates to preparing for a future in the nursing profession.

“I am a senior and after I graduate, I plan to get my bachelor’s in nursing and begin as a registered nurse,” Benson said.