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That Figgers.

Stephanie Figgers is 5'5" at best. She splits time between volleyball and softball. So how does a short, two-sport athlete excel in a sport dominated by big, single-sport specialists? Listening to Bone Thugs n Harmony helps.

volleyball photos by Pete Lacker

Feb. 21 — It's tough enough playing volleyball when you are only 5’5”. Add the stress of playing the most mentally demanding position for one of the top teams in the state (and the nation), then just for fun, add softball to the mix along with homework, senior activities and you have time management nightmare.

“You get use to the routine of driving from one tournament to the other while changing in the car,” says Stephanie Figgers, libero for the Texas Tornados and sometimes infielder, sometimes outfielder for Katy Taylor High School and Texas Storm Gold.

Figgers, who says she may actually be closer to 5’4” than 5’5”, is considered by many to be the best defensive specialist in the state. As a defensive specialist for Katy Taylor, the senior was named to the All-Greater Houston Area Volleyball Team by the Houston Chronicle and was one of three Texans named to Student Sports magazine’s “Dirty Dozen” list of the nation’s top defensive specialists. (Ashley Shupp of Clear Creek and Jena Pierson of Round Rock/Austin Juniors 17s were the other two Texans on the team).

She’s also one of the most intense and competitive players in the sport. “Her ability to read and anticipate where the ball is going is one of the best I've ever seen at any level,” says Tornados coach Chuck Schneider. “She definitely provides a spark for us. I don't need to tell you that she gives one hundred and ten percent.”

This fall, Stephanie is heading to Stephen F. Austin where she plans to continue playing both volleyball and softball in college. In fact, part of her selection process was to find a D1 school that would let her compete in both sports.

“I think Stephanie will do extremely well at SFA,” says Schneider. “With us playing a lot of tough, tough competition with a ton of heavy, hard hitters, Steph should be primed and ready when college rolls around.”

First, however, there is the matter of the Tornados drive to improve on last year’s impressive showing when they finished 13th in the nation among 17s. And as was the case last year, the shortest player on a team of big hitters could make a huge difference.

“Stephanie is probably one of my most key players in our drive towards nationals because she is one of my most consistent passers,” says Schneider, whose team is coming off an 11th place finish at the Las Vegas Invitational. “And key passing establishes the tempo for us. The better the pass, the faster the tempo.”

We thought "Steph" would be the perfect person to talk to in order to find out what it takes not only to compete as a short player in a tall person’s sport, but also to do it as a two-sport athlete.

LSVB: Did you play other sports when you were young? Have you always been a multi-sport athlete?
SF: Yes -- tennis, softball, basketball, soccer, karate... I was very busy!

When did you first start playing volleyball?
I played in summer camps and school when I was younger, but not competitively until 6th grade

Since you are not tall, how did you decide you really wanted to concentrate on volleyball as one of your sports?
I realized how much I loved the sport. People encouraged me not to give up because they believed in me and thought that I had talent.

Did a coach or anyone ever tell you that you were too short to play volleyball?
No. Never. I have always been encouraged to keep working hard and never give up.

Did you ever think about not playing volleyball because of your height?
Of course, being 5'4" and playing the game of volleyball isn’t always easy. Colleges want tall girls and that’s that. But if they want to win championships then they need defense and that’s where I come in to play. I didn’t get discouraged or anything because I knew everything happens for a reason and things would fall into place sooner or later.

What was the best advice you ever received?
It was from JoEllen Kliafas (co-owner and coach of Texas Tornados). She said to follow your heart and do what you want to do. Don't listen to other people because you will be miserable.

And you plan to play both volleyball and softball in college.
Yes, I am planning on playing both in college. I already met with the softball coaches at SFA and they seem like really cool people.

Are there similarities between softball and volleyball?
Most definitely - the competitiveness, the people that surround you love the game and are striving for the same goals as you so they won't let you down, the amount of time and dedication both take, plenty of similarities!

What was the highlight of your high school career?
My junior year, we played Clements in the second round of playoffs and were down in the third game like 11-2 and came back and won. It was incredible!

What about club?
Las Vegas last year - not only winning the tournament, but also having a blast with the Tornados in our off time!!!

What has been the major disappointment?
Losing to Club Elite in a 2-hour match last year at JO's. The win would have put us in the top eight, but instead we went to the bronze bracket. But... it was a great game to watch and play.

What made you select Stephen F Austin?
It’s not too far or too close to home. My parents will still be near me. Also, it’s a D1 school that’s letting me play both sports which is very hard to come across these days. The academics are good and I already know people there, so making new friends shouldn’t be that difficult!

What other schools did you consider?
TCU, University of Kentucky, SMU

What do you think is the strength of your game?
Most definitely my passing and defense.

What about weaknesses?
Blocking and hitting...I mean look at my height!!

I meant, what part of your game do you want to improve?
I could improve on my communication and ball control.

Defensive specialist/libero is a tough job. How do you mentally prepare to play defense?
If you see me before a match, I will most likely be by myself with my headphones on. I go and stretch alone and listen to one song over and over again and let all other thoughts out of my mind and focus on what I have to do there.

What are you listening to?
It's by the Bone Thugs n Harmony...not an appropriate name. Haha

Even when you can't get to a ball, or miss a dig you seem to be able to shake it off. How difficult is that?
Very hard because it's my job to play defense. Others are blocking/hitting or setting and they expect me to get the job done, too. I have learned to shake it off and be like “hit it to me again and see what happens. I bet you I will get it!”

A lot of people probably think defensive specialists have to be a little crazy to enjoy playing the position. What is the key to being a great defensive specialist?
Quick reactions, speed and adrenaline rushing. When I get out on the court, I'm ready to play, my heart is pounding and it gets me all excited.

What is the toughest part of being a DS/libero?
Knowing that you are there to play defense and you can’t have a bad game because people are counting on you to do your job

When was the last time you played front row?
Oh man, I can’t even remember...probably 13s!

Now, let’s find out a little about Stephanie Figgers the person. Growing up did you have any sports heroes?
Well my friend and I used to play Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, when they were both on the Bulls together so I guess you could say them. Also, Ken Caminiti while he played for the Astros.

Who have been your role models?
My parents and sister. They have lived life and learned while going down the path. They teach what they have learned from their lessons and try to shape me to be the best person I can. I value my friendships with my family because I know they will always be there for me no matter what happens.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I get shy around people I don’t know because I’m usually very outgoing.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals?
Every morning I put on my makeup to match my uniform. It kind of gets my mind in the state of playing.Then I listen my one song before every game and get my dad to give me a back massage!!!

Rally or traditional scoring?
Rally...it puts so much more excitement into the game

Who is the toughest player you ever played against?
Wow, there are so many great players out there but I would probably have to say Kimi Freeburg. Man, at JO's last year she had me so confused. I've got to give her props.

What's the greatest play you ever made?
In 14s there was a ball that was fixing to hit the floor and I just dove and swung my arm hoping it would go over the net and it did, but I was just giving the effort. I didn’t really think it would go back over...I was very surprised.

Do you remember any embarrassing moments?
Not in volleyball, but for school softball last year I got hit above the eye with the softball and looked like sloth from the Goonies because my eye was so swollen. For the next two weeks I looked like a raccoon because I had 2 black eyes.

What are your favorite foods? Hobbies? Type of Music?
I love all food! I eat so much, you can ask anybody. I prefer candy though. I'm not a big health food person. I have no hobbies, I go with the flow. I like all music, but my all time favorite is rap!

What would you tell young girls who may have been told that they were too short to play volleyball or other sports like basketball where most of the players are tall?
It doesn't matter how tall you are, it's the dedication and motivation that gets people where they are today. Never give up. If you are told that, work even harder and show them that you can do it.

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