*** Phoenix Classic Preview*** Gupton Looks to Fill Big Shoes

***Phoenix Classic Preview*** Gupton Looks to Fill Big Shoes

Junior Nialah Gupton steps up as a replacement for All American Jadyn Brackets

LEBANON, TN. (August 15, 2024) – If your shoe size is a six, it probably isn't hard to find your size. For junior libero Nialah Gupton, she might be looking for some material for her new shoes, as she is the replacement for graduated libero Jadyn Brackins.

Brackins, and AVCA All American, left Fisk volleyball as a two-time conference Defensive Player of the Year. Now head coach Jessica Enderle is looking to Gupton to set the tone from the receiving end.

"She's been working her butt off," said Enderle of Gupton. "I am glad that she was able to watch Jadyn for a year to see the little things that need to be done. Nialah has the talent. Now we will see how she handles things on game day."

Last season, Gupton played in all 35 matches and was third on the team in digs. The versatile transfer from Coker University also had 119 set assists, placing her second. Last year's success has propelled the team into high expectations for this season. Something Gupton is ready for as a challenge.

"Watching Jadyn has given me the blueprint to push us to greater heights," said Gupton. "We have put the work in, now it is time to show everyone that we belong on the big stage. We have work to do but I feel we will get there. I promise it won't be from lack of effort."

Game 1: Fisk University (0-0) vs. Missouri Valley College (0-0)

Date/Time: Friday, August 16 | 11:00 a.m. (CST)

Game 2: Fisk University (0-0) vs. Blue Mountain (MS) College (0-0)

Date/Time: Friday, August 16 | 1:00 p.m. (CST)

Game 3: Fisk University (0-0) vs. William Carey (MS) College (0-0)

Date/Time: Friday, August 16 | 11:00 a.m. (CST)

Game 4: Fisk University (0-0) vs. Ave Marie (FL) College (0-0)

Date/Time: Saturday, August 17 | 3:00 p.m. (CST)

Watch:  Cumberland Sports Network

Live Stats: William Carey (MS) vs. Fisk (TN) | PrimeTime | Sat, Aug. 17, 2024 11:00 AM CDT (fiskathletics.com)

Ave Maria (FL) vs. Fisk (TN) | PrimeTime | Sat, Aug. 17, 2024 3:00 PM CDT (fiskathletics.com)

Location: Cumberland University, Dawson-Phoenix Arena

Enderle Of the Road

Head coach Jessica Enderle and assistant coach Laikin Ramirez were on the road perfecting the team's roster. This year's team has added three former NCAA players in Aaliyah Bethea (Virginia State University), Laila Esters (Miles College) and Sydney Willis (Belmont University). Reagan Jones was added from Berry College and Anayah Duncan comes to Fisk from conference foe Dillard University. Sahnee Dillahunt-Nedd redshirted last season. She played at Tennessee State University.  

Re of Light

Sophomore Nebthet Re will look to cash in on an outstanding freshman year. She is the reigning Setter and Freshman of the Year in the conference. She also was named to the First Team. Re had a banner first campaign, finishing with 388 assists, which gave her 7.76 assists per set in conference play. The versatile Marietta, Georgia native also had 100 points on 67 kills, 27 aces and 11 blocks. Defensively, she had 130 digs, which gave her 2.60 digs per set in conference play.

Ramirez In the Bush

Assistant Coach Laikin Ramirez has been a steady contributor to Fisk Volleyball and the Athletic Department. Ramirez won the conference's Assistant Coach of the Year. Her knowledge of volleyball and organization skills have been a welcomed sight at Fisk.

Capping Off a Great Career

Seniors Aja Coffey and Trinity Crawford have both been great ambassadors for Fisk Volleyball. On the court, their leadership can be seen and heard. As freshmen, they were part of a team that won 12 games. The past two seasons, the team has enjoyed 20-win seasons, with last year's team being the first to compete in the GCAC Championship game. This year, they were both named captains of the team.

Next Up: The Lady Bulldogs will travel two miles down Jefferson Street to take on Tennessee State University in an Exhibition game.