Volleyball seniors reflect on their careers
10/23/2013 3:14:00 PM | Volleyball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh volleyball team will honor its four seniors on Saturday during the annual Senior Day game as the Mountain Hawks take on first-place Army at 4 p.m. inside Leeman-Turner Arena. Amanda Clark, Rachel Charles, Courtney McCutchan and Dana Raber have all made outstanding contributions to the program throughout their four years as Mountain Hawks, and will each graduate with their names on at least one of Lehigh's all-time statistical leaderboards.
Amanda Clark, #13
Clark's presence has been felt on and off the court through her Mountain Hawk career, as she is a true embodiment of a student-athlete. A three-time recipient of the team's Scholar-Athlete Award and two-time Academic All-Patriot League member, the senior has shown that it's possible to excel in academics as well as athletics. The middle blocker has been one of the team's leading blockers throughout all four years on the team and will end her career amongst Lehigh's career statistical leaders in both attacking percentage and blocks.
What's your favorite Lehigh volleyball memory up until this point?
AC: My favorite Lehigh volleyball memory is definitely our trip to China. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I couldn't have picked a better group of girls to do it with. We had so much fun experiencing the culture and playing volleyball together. I am very thankful that I got the opportunity to travel through volleyball.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AC: Our class has been very close ever since freshmen year! We get along extremely well. We spend so much time together during practice, but still choose to spend time with each other outside volleyball. I am so thankful to have met Rachel, Dana and Courtney and I know we will definitely stay friends for the rest of our lives.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AC: It hasn't actually hit me that senior day is already here. I don't think it will hit me that my competitive volleyball career is over until a couple weeks after the season. Volleyball has been such a major part of my life for so many years that it's hard to imagine not playing every day.
What will you miss most about Lehigh volleyball?
AC: I will miss all the time I get to spend with my teammates. Our team is extremely tight knit and we enjoy spending time together. I will definitely miss seeing all of the girls at practice every day.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AC: I am graduating after this semester and then sticking around Lehigh and working in the spring. I plan on starting physical therapy graduate school next fall!
Rachel Charles, #5
A two-time Patriot League Libero of the Year, Rachel Charles has certainly made her mark on Lehigh. Charles will graduate as Lehigh's all-time career digs leader, a mark that she passed earlier this year on Sept. 7 against Wright State. As of Oct. 23, Charles has tallied 1,572 digs throughout her career as a Mountain Hawk. She will also graduate as Lehigh's all-time leader in average digs per game. The four-year starter has been the team's digs leader every year of her career and among the highest in the Patriot League as well. Defense isn't Charles' only specialty, however. The senior has led the team in service aces every year at Lehigh. This season, Charles currently ranks ninth in the country in service aces per set, while the Mountain Hawks lead the nation in the category. Charles will certainly be remembered as one of the best liberos in the history of Lehigh volleyball.
What's your favorite Lehigh volleyball memory up until this point?
RC: My favorite Lehigh Volleyball memory would have to be when we went to China this past May. It was an unbelievable experience with amazing teammates and coaches that I will never forget. We got to see a ton of famous historical sites and eat crazy food. We bonded as a team, and became a family, while playing against extremely high competition.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
RC: The relationship between the four of us could be described as an inseparable bond. The four of us have been through so many ups and downs together throughout our four years that no one else has experienced. Dana, Courtney and Amanda will forever be in my life as three of my best friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
RC: The feeling going into Senior Day is scary and exciting at the same time. I can't believe how fast these past three years have flown by and the fact that I am about to play my last home game for Lehigh is frightening. I am so excited because we get to play Army on our Senior Day, which the four of us have never beaten in our careers. I am so excited to have shared such an unbelievable experience with an amazing group of girls and coaches.
What will you miss most about Lehigh volleyball?
RC: What I will miss most about Lehigh volleyball are my teammates who are like family to me and the coaches who have gotten me to be the best player possible. I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls and coaches to share such a wonderful experience with. Also, all the crazy bus rides, stories, dance parties and so many more memories are what I will miss once it's gone.
What are your postgraduate plans?
RC: I plan to go play professional volleyball in Europe for a couple years. Once I finally finish with volleyball I will most likely move back to Michigan to pursue a career in Environmental Public Health and coaching.
Courtney McCutchan, #7
McCutchan has impressed ever since she arrived on campus and has been vital in Lehigh Volleyball's success. She began to make an impact right from the start and was named Patriot League Rookie of the Week twice during her freshman year. McCutchan has proven that she can do it all, as she is consistently among the team-leaders in digs, kills and blocks. During her sophomore campaign, she posted 10 or more digs on eight occasions while posting double-digit kills in five matches. McCutchan was once again a key contributor during her junior year, tallying 139 kills, 246 digs, 29 service aces and 20 total blocks. McCutchan has proven to be a leader on this year's squad, serving as a strong role model for her younger teammates. She will graduate as one of Lehigh's all-time leaders in digs per game and total attack attempts. Her skills on the court haven't been her only strong point, however. She has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll for two of her first three years as a Mountain Hawk.
What's your favorite Lehigh volleyball memory up until this point?
CM: My favorite LUV memory up until this point is our trip to China. It was an amazing experience and I feel so grateful that I was able to experience China with everyone on the team. We made a lot of memories and had some hilarious moments.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CM: Through our four years, we have created a really strong bond and understanding of each other. We all just feel so comfortable together and I truly enjoy being with them both on and off the court.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CM: I was hoping I wasn't going to get emotional, but when thinking about everything I have gone through with my teammates, especially the other seniors, it's hard not to. I just want to enjoy every moment for the rest of the season and try to end on a high note.
What will you miss most about Lehigh volleyball?
CM: My teammates and the time I spend with them is what I am going to miss the most about Lehigh Volleyball. Also, I will miss competing every day in either practice or games.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CM: I plan on working in New York City for a few years before moving back to Southern California where my family is.
Dana Raber, #2
Raber's versatility has made her a key contributor for the Mountain Hawks in the past four seasons. As a freshman, Raber stepped up right away and saw action in 26 games. She played in every game during her sophomore season while registering the fourth-most digs on the team as she helped Lehigh get back to the Patriot League Tournament. The starting setter during her junior season, Raber led the team with 572 assists while appearing in 95 sets. Raber has seen action in 20 games so far this season and continues to prove that she can fill in where the Mountain Hawks need her the most. She will graduate with her name on Lehigh's all-time career assist leaders. Raber has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll during every season of her Mountain Hawk career.
What's your favorite Lehigh volleyball memory up until this point?
DR: Besides China, I'd say my favorite memory was when we did the world's fastest tour of Washington D.C. The previous year, we had been to American three times and every time Courtney and I heckled Coach about never seeing the White House. So our junior year he arranged for us to arrive a little earlier so we could tour Washington D.C. It worked out that our bus driver knew a lot about D.C. and doubled as our personal tour guide. He would stop to let us jump out, explore, take some pictures and he would drive around for a bit so he never had to park. We turned an all-day tour into a two-hour marathon. Then that night we beat American at American, which we had never done before. That was definitely one of my favorite days.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
DR: We can be pretty obnoxious and overwhelming when we are all together. We openly call ourselves the 'best class ever' frequently, which probably makes us the worst. Playing a varsity sport is obviously a huge time commitment, so experiencing it with people you enjoy being around and that entertain you makes it that much more memorable. We have all got along from day one and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to go through this with.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
DR: We still have a lot of important matches left, so it hasn't hit me yet that this is our last year. I still feel like we'll come back from Christmas break to practice and do Zumba on Thursdays. I am definitely sad it's nearing the end, but it's also really exciting. I feel like the program has really evolved from what it was when we came in as freshman, so I'm anxious to see where they go from here.
What will you miss most about Lehigh volleyball?
DR: I am definitely going to miss all the little things about playing volleyball here at Lehigh. There's so much more that goes on beyond the court that you can only experience by being a part of a team. The bus rides, locker room dancing, Pilates and Zumba Thursdays and just all the memories I've made along the way.
What are your postgraduate plans?
DR: I am not exactly sure about my postgraduate plans are at this point, but as of now I would like to either go to graduate school or apply for Teach for America.
Amanda Clark, #13
Clark's presence has been felt on and off the court through her Mountain Hawk career, as she is a true embodiment of a student-athlete. A three-time recipient of the team's Scholar-Athlete Award and two-time Academic All-Patriot League member, the senior has shown that it's possible to excel in academics as well as athletics. The middle blocker has been one of the team's leading blockers throughout all four years on the team and will end her career amongst Lehigh's career statistical leaders in both attacking percentage and blocks.
What's your favorite Lehigh volleyball memory up until this point?
AC: My favorite Lehigh volleyball memory is definitely our trip to China. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I couldn't have picked a better group of girls to do it with. We had so much fun experiencing the culture and playing volleyball together. I am very thankful that I got the opportunity to travel through volleyball.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AC: Our class has been very close ever since freshmen year! We get along extremely well. We spend so much time together during practice, but still choose to spend time with each other outside volleyball. I am so thankful to have met Rachel, Dana and Courtney and I know we will definitely stay friends for the rest of our lives.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AC: It hasn't actually hit me that senior day is already here. I don't think it will hit me that my competitive volleyball career is over until a couple weeks after the season. Volleyball has been such a major part of my life for so many years that it's hard to imagine not playing every day.
What will you miss most about Lehigh volleyball?
AC: I will miss all the time I get to spend with my teammates. Our team is extremely tight knit and we enjoy spending time together. I will definitely miss seeing all of the girls at practice every day.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AC: I am graduating after this semester and then sticking around Lehigh and working in the spring. I plan on starting physical therapy graduate school next fall!
Rachel Charles, #5
A two-time Patriot League Libero of the Year, Rachel Charles has certainly made her mark on Lehigh. Charles will graduate as Lehigh's all-time career digs leader, a mark that she passed earlier this year on Sept. 7 against Wright State. As of Oct. 23, Charles has tallied 1,572 digs throughout her career as a Mountain Hawk. She will also graduate as Lehigh's all-time leader in average digs per game. The four-year starter has been the team's digs leader every year of her career and among the highest in the Patriot League as well. Defense isn't Charles' only specialty, however. The senior has led the team in service aces every year at Lehigh. This season, Charles currently ranks ninth in the country in service aces per set, while the Mountain Hawks lead the nation in the category. Charles will certainly be remembered as one of the best liberos in the history of Lehigh volleyball.
What's your favorite Lehigh volleyball memory up until this point?
RC: My favorite Lehigh Volleyball memory would have to be when we went to China this past May. It was an unbelievable experience with amazing teammates and coaches that I will never forget. We got to see a ton of famous historical sites and eat crazy food. We bonded as a team, and became a family, while playing against extremely high competition.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
RC: The relationship between the four of us could be described as an inseparable bond. The four of us have been through so many ups and downs together throughout our four years that no one else has experienced. Dana, Courtney and Amanda will forever be in my life as three of my best friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
RC: The feeling going into Senior Day is scary and exciting at the same time. I can't believe how fast these past three years have flown by and the fact that I am about to play my last home game for Lehigh is frightening. I am so excited because we get to play Army on our Senior Day, which the four of us have never beaten in our careers. I am so excited to have shared such an unbelievable experience with an amazing group of girls and coaches.
What will you miss most about Lehigh volleyball?
RC: What I will miss most about Lehigh volleyball are my teammates who are like family to me and the coaches who have gotten me to be the best player possible. I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls and coaches to share such a wonderful experience with. Also, all the crazy bus rides, stories, dance parties and so many more memories are what I will miss once it's gone.
What are your postgraduate plans?
RC: I plan to go play professional volleyball in Europe for a couple years. Once I finally finish with volleyball I will most likely move back to Michigan to pursue a career in Environmental Public Health and coaching.
Courtney McCutchan, #7
McCutchan has impressed ever since she arrived on campus and has been vital in Lehigh Volleyball's success. She began to make an impact right from the start and was named Patriot League Rookie of the Week twice during her freshman year. McCutchan has proven that she can do it all, as she is consistently among the team-leaders in digs, kills and blocks. During her sophomore campaign, she posted 10 or more digs on eight occasions while posting double-digit kills in five matches. McCutchan was once again a key contributor during her junior year, tallying 139 kills, 246 digs, 29 service aces and 20 total blocks. McCutchan has proven to be a leader on this year's squad, serving as a strong role model for her younger teammates. She will graduate as one of Lehigh's all-time leaders in digs per game and total attack attempts. Her skills on the court haven't been her only strong point, however. She has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll for two of her first three years as a Mountain Hawk.
What's your favorite Lehigh volleyball memory up until this point?
CM: My favorite LUV memory up until this point is our trip to China. It was an amazing experience and I feel so grateful that I was able to experience China with everyone on the team. We made a lot of memories and had some hilarious moments.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CM: Through our four years, we have created a really strong bond and understanding of each other. We all just feel so comfortable together and I truly enjoy being with them both on and off the court.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CM: I was hoping I wasn't going to get emotional, but when thinking about everything I have gone through with my teammates, especially the other seniors, it's hard not to. I just want to enjoy every moment for the rest of the season and try to end on a high note.
What will you miss most about Lehigh volleyball?
CM: My teammates and the time I spend with them is what I am going to miss the most about Lehigh Volleyball. Also, I will miss competing every day in either practice or games.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CM: I plan on working in New York City for a few years before moving back to Southern California where my family is.
Dana Raber, #2
Raber's versatility has made her a key contributor for the Mountain Hawks in the past four seasons. As a freshman, Raber stepped up right away and saw action in 26 games. She played in every game during her sophomore season while registering the fourth-most digs on the team as she helped Lehigh get back to the Patriot League Tournament. The starting setter during her junior season, Raber led the team with 572 assists while appearing in 95 sets. Raber has seen action in 20 games so far this season and continues to prove that she can fill in where the Mountain Hawks need her the most. She will graduate with her name on Lehigh's all-time career assist leaders. Raber has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll during every season of her Mountain Hawk career.
What's your favorite Lehigh volleyball memory up until this point?
DR: Besides China, I'd say my favorite memory was when we did the world's fastest tour of Washington D.C. The previous year, we had been to American three times and every time Courtney and I heckled Coach about never seeing the White House. So our junior year he arranged for us to arrive a little earlier so we could tour Washington D.C. It worked out that our bus driver knew a lot about D.C. and doubled as our personal tour guide. He would stop to let us jump out, explore, take some pictures and he would drive around for a bit so he never had to park. We turned an all-day tour into a two-hour marathon. Then that night we beat American at American, which we had never done before. That was definitely one of my favorite days.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
DR: We can be pretty obnoxious and overwhelming when we are all together. We openly call ourselves the 'best class ever' frequently, which probably makes us the worst. Playing a varsity sport is obviously a huge time commitment, so experiencing it with people you enjoy being around and that entertain you makes it that much more memorable. We have all got along from day one and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to go through this with.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
DR: We still have a lot of important matches left, so it hasn't hit me yet that this is our last year. I still feel like we'll come back from Christmas break to practice and do Zumba on Thursdays. I am definitely sad it's nearing the end, but it's also really exciting. I feel like the program has really evolved from what it was when we came in as freshman, so I'm anxious to see where they go from here.
What will you miss most about Lehigh volleyball?
DR: I am definitely going to miss all the little things about playing volleyball here at Lehigh. There's so much more that goes on beyond the court that you can only experience by being a part of a team. The bus rides, locker room dancing, Pilates and Zumba Thursdays and just all the memories I've made along the way.
What are your postgraduate plans?
DR: I am not exactly sure about my postgraduate plans are at this point, but as of now I would like to either go to graduate school or apply for Teach for America.
VB vs. Loyola
Friday, October 10
Volleyball vs. American
Saturday, October 04
Mountain Hawk Talk - S2 EP2 - Volleyball
Friday, September 26
2025 Lehigh Volleyball Season Preview
Friday, August 29
