LigonierPa. – Combining her two passions was a great opportunity for Ligonier Valley senior Alexa Harding not to pass up.
Harding will join the Mount Aloysius College volleyball team and pursue her desired major.
“I chose Mount Aloysius to continue my education and volleyball career because it is in the top five schools for excellence in sonography,” Harding said.
“In addition to that, I was fortunate enough to receive various scholarships from that school.In the end, I chose this school because whenever I am on that campus, I feel like I belong. Because it makes you feel included and welcomed.”
The middle hitter has been playing volleyball for the past six years. She totaled 130 kills as a senior.
“I wanted to try something new and volleyball was definitely a challenge for me, a way to be active and meet new people,” Harding recalled of how she started playing the sport. he said.
Mount Aloysius, an NCAA Division III program in the Allegheny Mountain College Conference, posted a record of 10-18 overall and 5-4 in league play during the 2023 season. The Mounties are coached by Wimber Area High School graduate Brianna Baker.
Harding played for the Invasion Volleyball Club in 2019 and participated in the Roxbury Summer League from 2021-2023.
She recalled thinking about quitting the sport in 2020, which marked a turning point in her career.
“My biggest influence was Bela Varglish,” Harding said. “I'll never forget. After my freshman year, I wanted to quit volleyball because I felt like I wasn't as good as the other players on the team. Then Bella contacted me and asked me to play.” She taught me to never give up on something I'm truly passionate about.”
Harding is the daughter of Karen Harding.
