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Anyone who knows 49er volleyball knows Courtney Cowles. She’s been helping the Niners along to victory during her college career, and now as a senior, she’s contributing more than ever.
Courtney’s love for volleyball, however, is not an unshared one in her family.
Courtney was born on May 8, 1987, to Sue and Jeff Cowles in Eden Prairie, Minn., a town located about 18 miles southwest of Minneapolis.
Courtney began playing volleyball early in her life. “In third grade, fliers were sent home about different sports, and volleyball was the only one I was interested in,” Courtney said. . She began playing and immediately loved the sport.
She wasn’t the only one, though.
Cowles’ younger sister, Hailey, also developed an interest in volleyball.
“From the time she was in second grade, she would watch me play and decided she wanted to play, too,” said Colwes. “It pushed me to always better myself and play harder.”
Their parents were immensely supportive of the girl’s love of the sport, traveling with them when their travel teams would play in tournaments across the country.
“My parents were very supportive. They traveled with me so I could play club ball, which wasn’t easy or cheap for them. If they hadn’t supported me so much, I wouldn’t have played club and wouldn’t have gotten the scholarships from the scouts at the games, so I’m very thankful to them for that.”
Courtney continued to play and develop as a player throughout high school, earning the title of Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune 2004 Metro Player of the Year. She also played for the nationally-ranked Northern Lights Club Team, playing on its 2004 USA Volleyball National Championship Team.
Upon graduation from Eden Prairie High School, Courtney enrolled at UNC Charlotte.
“I decided to go to Charlotte because I wanted to go somewhere away from home,” said Cowles. “I loved the campus, and I was just ready for a change.”
Courtney’s volleyball career continued to blossom here at Charlotte, playing in all 33 of the Niners matches as a freshman. She also played in all 32 matches her sophomore year as primarily a back-row defensive specialist.
Last year, she was one of three players to play in all 98 games of the 28 matches, and was one of the most versatile players on the team, easily filling the roles of setter, service ace, back row defensive specialist and others.
Though still early in the season, Courtney continues to impress. “I hope we just keep improving and go into the conference at the top of our game,” she commented on her expectations for the rest of the season.
Courtney will be graduating this year, and while she’s not sure about a professional career in volleyball, she still wants volleyball to play a role in her life.
“I really have no idea,” she laughed, when asked what she plans to do after graduation. “I want to go back to Minnesota for graduate school, and I want to coach volleyball.”
While her future may not be entirely clear, what is certain is that she has made an impact on this team that she hopes carries on after she is gone. “I want to leave the team this year with the belief I have in them not just for this season, but for next year and the rest of their volleyball careers. My teammates are amazing people and I wish nothing but the best for them.”
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