Natalie Foster started jumping rope to music. Then she graduated to YouTube videos as she extended the amount of time in her conditioning session.
"Anything that lasted longer than 10 minutes," she said. "Something to keep me entertained. It was crazy – I started getting blisters on my toes."
Those jump-rope sessions last year during the Christmas break started Foster on her way to a strong finish to last season as a freshman middle blocker for Wichita State. As fall practices continue, she is the most experienced returner in a young group of middles.
"It's such as spirited group, high energy, they learn, they talk," Wichita State coach Chris Lamb said.