By Samantha Franz
GoldenGrizzlies.com contributor

When one goes off to college as a mere 18-year-old, there is always a balance of excitement and anxiety about the unknown. For Holly (Hatcher) Conley, (1988-1992), the future Pioneer volleyball standout had no idea she was about to walk into a one of Oakland's most successful seasons ever.

"When you walk into the gym as a freshman, you really don't know what to expect," said Conley. "But you train hard, practice a lot and you compete. I was fortunate enough to play with a great group of girls year after year, who did that each day. As a result, we were pretty successful. My coach, Bob Hurdle, knew how to put it all together and pull out the win."

For Conley, the most exciting part of playing during this era was playing the game she loved at such high level of competition.

"Each game is important, but winning the big games [was] the best," said Conley. [The] larger crowds, more intensity and more pressure made winning more memorable."

Memorable is an understatement. To this day, the 1988 roster holds the one of the most successful records of the Division II era, coming in at 25-7 and 15-1 in conference play. That season, the Pioneers also swept the conference tournament to become GLIAC champs.

During Conley's tenure, Conley was a two-time All-Region and All-GLIAC selection and helped the Pioneers to a 104-38 record during her four seasons. In addition, she established school records for career-games played, blocks and block assists, as well as single-season blocks and block assists.

After graduating with a degree in human resources, Conley worked as a job placement specialist and played in volleyball leagues before becoming a stay-at-home mom. And while raising a family keeps her hands full, she still makes time for the game she loves.

"The game is in my blood," she said. "Each summer, I play grass or beach volleyball with my siblings and our teenage children, many of which have a love for the game, too."

In 2010, Conley was excited to learn that she would be enshrined in the Holly Lepley Hall of Honor for her accomplishments with the Pioneers.

"This was the highest level of accomplishment I have reached in my career as a volleyball player," she said. "I was thrilled and very humbled when I read the letter. The celebration was first-class and the athletic department staff was extremely warm and accommodating."

As many past Oakland student-athletes observe, four years goes by very quickly. It is important to truly embrace the most of your time donning the Black and Gold.

"My biggest piece of advice to student-athletes would be to work hard and be coachable," said Conley. "You are there for a reason, so make the most of it. You don't want to have regrets about your career as a college athlete, [so] make it your best each day!"

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