Net experience

By Jared Harmon

Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 | midnight

Two years after going down with a knee injury in the Sunrise Regional championship game, Silverado graduate Samantha Richard's volleyball career has returned to the Las Vegas Valley.

After two impressive seasons with Salt Lake Community College, Richard is now at UNLV and ready to make an impact for the Rebels.

Richard compiled 365 kills, 52 assists, 63 aces, 363 digs and 34 total blocks last year to help Salt Lake to a 44-2 record and the school's first No. 1 national ranking. The successful season led to interest from several Division I schools but Richard was drawn back to Southern Nevada.

"I've always wanted to play for a Division I team, even when I was little," Richard said. "It took a long time to rehab my knee (after tearing several ligaments) but I finally felt 100 percent last year. I still have to work at it but I was ready to be a part of a team like UNLV's."

UNLV coach Allison Keeley said Richard, a defensive specialist, should add depth to the Rebels.

"Sam is extremely competitive and has great ball control skills," Keeley said. "She's going to add some strength and experience. Sam should be a good asset because she's been through all this. "

Richard played four years on varsity at Silverado and was the Sunrise Region's Player of the Year as a junior and senior.

"Silverado was good for me," Richard said. "We always played at a high level so we saw some good competition that prepared me for college. It was also good for my leadership skills. I learned how to take charge and set a good example."

Richard said returning to a familiar area was a factor in her decision to come to UNLV.

"(Las Vegas) is home," she said. "I like the program and I knew I'd draw some fans from friends and family and stuff. I like it a lot so far. There are some pretty good girls here and they've all been really cool and welcoming."

The Rebels finished 24-6 last year to win the Mountain West Conference before falling to Long Beach State in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Richard hopes to help the Rebels repeat.

"I'm so ready to play," Richard said. "I think we're going to do good. We have strong passing defense and blocking. We're going to be tough on teams."

Jared Harmon is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-8922 or [email protected].