Posted: Jan 05, 2009

Providence Journal: How a coach, and Bryant, changed a volleyball star's life

January 5, 2009

How a coach, and Bryant, changed a volleyball star's life

By MIKE SZOSTAK
Journal Sports Writer

Her family had no money for college, so in the spring of her senior year at Woonsocket High School she pursued an option that required courage more than cash. The U.S. Marine Corps. Her life was about to change with that decision, she knew, but in a way she never could have expected.

Theresa Garlacy, the volleyball coach at Bryant College -- it was 1999 and Bryant was still a college, not a university -- was working the concession stand at a high school volleyball tournament in the Bryant gym that spring. Garlacy spotted the girl and admired her athleticism. Garlacy spoke to her and, even though it was April, encouraged her to apply. She did, and was admitted with a substantial financial aid offer.

Garlacy was thrilled. The girl was thrilled. But there was a problem. She had enlisted in the Marines and had in her hand orders to report to Boston on Aug. 25 for transportation to basic training.