(Photo: Joining new Ozarks Volleyball Coach Natalia Burdulis (pictured center) are recruits (from left) Sam Barnes, Gabby Dotson, Izzy Dotson and Alexis Groff. Photo courtesy of Chloe Vieux.)
The first four committed recruits for the University of the Ozarks’ new collegiate volleyball program are excited and ready to make history in the inaugural season for the Eagles in a few short months.
Samantha “Sam” Barnes, a current U of O student from Dallas, Texas; Alexis Groff, a high school senior from Clarksville, Ark.; and identical twin high school seniors Gabby and Izzy Dotson from Dover, Ark., have committed to play for the University’s new program that will begin competing in the Fall 2025 Semester under first-year head coach Natalia Burdulis.
The four were among two dozen prospects who took part in a one-day volleyball clinic on campus recently.
Barnes, a sophomore communication major at Ozarks, transferred to the University in Spring 2024. A former standout at Lake Highlands (Texas) High School, she said she was excited when she heard the University was adding the sport.
“When I heard Ozarks was starting a volleyball team, I was immediately interested,” said Barnes, who as a two-time all-district player and team captain at Lake Highlands. “I missed playing in high school. I missed the competition and being a part of a close-knit group of girls. As soon as a coach was announced, I filled out a request-to-play form.”
Groff was a defensive standout for Clarksville for the past four years and was a two-year team captain. She helped the Lady Panthers advance to the regionals during her senior season for the first time since the 1990s.
“I really went back and forth on whether I wanted to try to play college volleyball, but when I heard Ozarks was starting a program, it seemed like a good opportunity to keep playing,” Groff said. “It’s definitely exciting to know that I’ll be a part of the very first team and that it’ll be a part of history. I don’t take that lightly. Only a few players get an opportunity to play college volleyball and that’s exciting too. I’m ready to play on the next level.”
The Dotson sisters starred for the Dover Lady Pirates, where Gabby made all state and Izzy made all conference this past season. The sisters learned about Ozarks starting a volleyball program when they were on a tour of campus in the fall.
“When we heard that, we got excited about possibly playing,” Gabby said. “We loved the campus because it was small and that’s what we were looking for. Volleyball was just an added bonus.”
The Dotsons began playing volleyball while growing up in Arizona and continued to play club and school volleyball when their family moved to Dover.
“I wasn’t really sure if I was good enough to play in college, but I’m happy about having the chance to continue to play the sport I’ve loved since I was a little girl,” Izzy said. “Being a part of the first team is also something I’m going to be proud of.”
Burdulis, a native of Maple Valley, Washington, comes to Ozarks with a wealth of collegiate experience at the NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III level as well as extensive experience at the club and high school ranks.
“These early commits are crucial to the program; they set the tone for the types of players I want,” Burdulis said. “They represent more than themselves and they are great leaders and genuine people on and off the court. I am very excited to continue to sign more players like these key first four. They understand the dedication needed and the buy-in to something bigger than each individual. They see the big picture we are building here for Ozarks Volleyball; each piece of the puzzle is needed for the puzzle to be whole.”
Burdulis said first and foremost she is looking for players who are competitors.
“Young women that want to do the extra, compete every day and earn their spot while making their team better,” she said. “I am looking for the best teammates to build a strong foundation, with respect, discipline, and work ethic.”
Barnes is proud to be among the first to sign up for the challenge.
“I’ve never been a part of something completely new, so it’s exciting,” she said. “I never would have thought two years ago that I would be in this position to again play the sport I love. I feel like this opportunity has given me a new purpose and goal and that I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I’m at a good school and I’m going to be a part of something amazing”
Those interested in playing volleyball for the Eagles, should contact Coach Burdulis at nburdulis@ozarks.edu
Topics: Athletics