This is the first in a series of interviews with Morgan State senior student-athletes to celebrate their accomplishments and honor their service and dedication with a Senior Spotlight.
The NCAA canceled all winter and spring sports for the remainder of the academic calendar year. In response to the cancellation of the annual athletics banquet, this would give our senior student-athletes a sense of accomplishment and closure.
The first student-athlete is senior setter and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President Roi Wallace. A native of San Dimas, Calif., Roi was a four-year starter for the Lady Bears and finished her collegiate career leading the team in assists all four years, including a season-best 1,218 assists this past season. As a senior she ranked fifth in the nation in aces per set (0.57) and fifth in total aces with 67.
Wallace, who earned second-team All-MEAC honors this past season, posted 3,754 assists for her career to rank third all-time on the Morgan State charts. She also posted 740 digs, 149 service aces, 124 kills and 66 blocks for her career. In her final match of her career, Wallace set a career-high 67 assists in the MEAC championship match against Howard (11/24/19).
"It's been my pleasure having Roi as a member of the volleyball program," said Morgan State head coach Ramona Riley-Bozier. "She has shown maturity over the years and took on a leadership role at the end of her sophomore season and continued in that role for the remainder of her career. Roi was selected as one of the Leaders for good reason. She's never been late for practice, is respectful, a good teammate on and off the court, reliable, competitive and trustworthy. Roi not only played a significant role on the court, but she is President of SAAC and an Honor student. I'm so very proud to have coached her."
Wallace discussed her time academically and athletically at Morgan State.
Questions are in bold, and are followed by Wallace's responses.
Q: How did you first find out that the spring semester would end as we traditionally know it due to the coronavirus? And what was your reaction?
A: When I first found out about classes being suspended I was actually in a night class. I was sort of shocked and didn't really know how to feel. I just thought it would be for that two weeks as initially stated and that was it. But now that I know we won't be returning at all I'm pretty upset, this isn't how I ever planned on ending my senior year. It's upsetting I won't be able to take senior pictures and I won't walk on the 16th and make those memories like planned, but I'm trying to look positively and appreciate spending extra time with my family.
Q: What are you doing in the meantime? Are you still in the Baltimore area or did you make it home?
A: While I was working at first, I've returned home to California so that I can be with my family and be at home during this time. I'm trying to stay healthy and occupied!
Who wants the 🏆? Morgan State🐻🏐 and @HUBisonVB head to 5️⃣th Set. pic.twitter.com/FGE6SRRSJh
— Morgan State Bears (@MorganStBears) November 25, 2019
Q: You were fortunate to complete your senior season. What are some memorable highlight(s), accomplishments from the season?
A: I am so lucky that I was able to finish my senior season. I think the most memorable highlights were being around my teammates and coaches everyday. Of course we didn't win MEACs, but the experience of playing in the championship game with some of my best friends is a memory I'll never forget. I also am really proud that I was able to finish second all-time in assists [at Morgan] this season and make second-team all-conference.
Morgan State🐻🏐 senior Roi Wallace recorded a career-high 6️⃣7️⃣ assists in Sunday's MEAC title match against @HUBisonVB. She finished her career🥈all-time at MSU with 3️⃣,7️⃣5️⃣4️⃣ assists. #TheMorganWay #MEACVB #ThreeStripeLife#RaiseTheBar #OoohhhAaayyy #GoBears🔷🔶 pic.twitter.com/weCJo5nJNW
— Morgan State Bears (@MorganStBears) November 25, 2019
Q: What was your time at Morgan State like both athletically and academically?
A: My time at Morgan has been such an experience overall. I've seen and done so many things because of Morgan and the opportunities it has provided for me. All in all, my time here has been so memorable.
Q: As a departing senior, how would you like to be remembered?
A: After graduating, I hope to be remembered for the growth I've shown on and off the volleyball court. I am really proud of my journey over these past four years and it would be great if others acknowledged that as well. From volleyball captain, to SAAC President to archaeology intern, I want people to see where I started versus where I am as I leave. I also would like to be remembered for my personality and the humor I would bring to things. Having fun and enjoying my experience at Morgan was very important to me!
Q: How do you feel the coronavirus will affect the team heading into the 2020-21 season?
A: If everyone is quarantined by fall season, I think it will be hard to build a true rapport for the team. Spending quality time outside of practices and meetings is important and I can only hope for my old teammates and coaches that COVID-19 does not affect the season.
Q: What are your thoughts regarding the University's response to the coronavirus?
A: So far I have been really pleased with Dr. Wilson and the University's response to the coronavirus. I can only imagine how difficult it was to make decisions to close the school and work remotely. As a graduating senior, I was extremely worried that commencement would be canceled, but I'm happy with Dr. Wilson's decision to postpone instead. I hope that we can all get back to campus soon enough.
Q: How has your family been impacted? And thoughts regarding the limited travel on airlines etc.?
A: Unfortunately three people in my household are out of work, and that puts a strain on everyone, but we are extremely lucky that everyone is healthy at home. Because of all the cancellations and limitations with flying, I'm not sure if I'll be stuck in California or when I'll be able to return to Maryland. So, the thought of that does cause concern for me.
Q: How has the online/virtual learning been going so far? Any advantages or challenges?
A: Finishing the rest of the semester online has been an extreme adjustment for me and has been a bit difficult. I've had to learn new ways to get work done because there are so many things to distract me from home and there is no library for me to escape to. An obvious advantage is never having to get out of my pajamas for class.
Q: What's your message for fellow Morganites while they're away from campus during this pandemic?
A: My message for other Morganites is to stay strong! Living through a pandemic whilst trying to maintain grades and stay healthy all whilst staying inside can be really difficult. I feel for everyone who is going through a tough time and the only message I have is to keep going and stay strong because it's all you can do!
🐻🏐Lady Bears Sweep @DSUHornets🐝In Regular-Season Finale; Coach Bozier Earns Career Win No. 4️⃣7️⃣0️⃣👏
Read🆙👉https://t.co/xAasbD6GNW#TheMorganWay #MEACVB #ThreeStripeLife#RaiseTheBar#OoohhhAaayyy #GoBears🔷🔶 pic.twitter.com/6DVALZwTmz
— Morgan State Bears (@MorganStBears) November 18, 2019
Q: What are some of the things you will miss about Morgan?
A: When I think about the things I'll miss when I leave Morgan, I think of the volleyball games and traveling every weekend with my best friends. I think of the football and basketball games that I went to. All of the events I was a part of and attended. I will miss all of those things but mostly, when I think of Morgan, I think of the relationships I've made over the last four years. All of the friends, teammates, coaches, advisors, professors, media relations coordinators, janitors and anyone else who I formed relationships with; these people are what I will miss most about Morgan.
📸 🐻🏐A few snapshots from the Lady Bears 3️⃣-0️⃣ victory 🆚
4️⃣x defending MEAC champions @HUBisonSports Friday night in 📍Hill Field House👏
More Bears Shots👉https://t.co/k8RCGu1KiY#TheMorganWay #MEACVB #ThreeStripeLife#RaiseTheBar#OoohhhAaayyy #GoBears🔷 pic.twitter.com/9faD0MRwF0
— Morgan State Bears (@MorganStBears) November 3, 2019
ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution offering more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's
Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit
www.morgan.edu.
