Sikeston graduate Rachel Beydler will take her volleyball talents to Fontbonne University in the fall where she will play for the Griffins. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat) [Click to enlarge]

By Andrew Powell ~ sd_sports@yahoo.com

SIKESTON -- When 2008 graduate Rachel Beydler first applied to Fontbonne University in November her intentions weren't exactly set for volleyball reasons.

However, when Griffins coach Crystal Spinner personally called Sikeston coach Steven Beydler to ask about the coach's daughter, those intentions changed.

"Originally, I applied to Fontbonne and a few other colleges strictly for academic reasons," said Rachel Beydler. "But I always knew I wanted to play volleyball at the college level. And when coach Spinner called and we met her then I knew that Fontbonne was gonna be a good fit for me."

Spinner got her first look at the award-winning setter after her senior season wrapped up when she continued to progress her game in club ball. Traveling to tournaments all around, Rachel played with some of the best high school players in the area who were vying for a scholarship or who had already received one.

"One of her (Spinner) goals was to find a setter," said coach Beydler. "But I think the thing she saw in Rachel was a player that was willing to play anywhere she was needed. And I believe that attitude is something she enjoyed and really liked in Rachel."

But while Spinner may have found an excellent setter, Rachel's all around game is what helped set her apart from other players.

Graduating valedictorian of her class, Rachel rose to the top of her class and also the varsity volleyball record books. Finishing her career on the all-time leaderboard with 1,188 assist, 137 aces and 672 digs while also setting single-season records with 486 assist in '06 and 288 digs in '07. She also earned academic all-state honors as well as all-region and all-conference honors as a senior.

"Rachel really has a pretty good all-around game and just a knowledge for the game itself," said coach Beydler. "And I think a lot of that has to do not only because of her hard work but also because she has been around the game so long."

Since the fifth grade, she surrounded herself with the game of volleyball, joining the varsity team " as a manager.

"I really got a benefit of having my dad as a coach," said Rachel. "I remember becoming a manager when Rachel Vining played high school, and then when I was 14 I started playing club ball. So it seems like I've always been around the game.

"And definitely with my dad being coach he has pushed me harder than anybody. I know he wants to see me succeed so having him there for me has helped to make me a better player all around."

Luckily for Rachel and Sikeston, her dad was there to push her, as she has become one of the top volleyball players to ever wear a Lady Bulldogs uniform. Now her drive and determination has her set for success at Fontbonne.