DIY VIRAL
Welcome to SZN openerthe dynamic podcast series that spotlights Black college athletes, exploring their triumphs and challenges throughout their athletic journey.
Source: Jamie Schwaberow / Getty
Episode 4 spotlights Marianna Singletary, a force in women's volleyball representing the University of Texas. The redshirt sophomore sat with SZN opener will host Rodney Rikai to talk about her play with the Texas Longhorns and how sitting out for a year helped her grow as an athlete.
Being redshirted was a 'learning experience'
The decorated middle blocker reflected on the process of getting a redshirt. A “redshirt” athlete misses a season for various reasons. In Singletary's case, it was an opportunity to focus on training and improving her game while she was away from the game during her freshman year at Texas. “It’s kind of a necessary step,” she told Rikai. “It allows you to learn more.”
The Charleston native arrived at the Division I center with numerous accolades already under her belt. A graduate of the prestigious Porter-Gaud School, the four-year starter was named the 2022 Gatorade South Carolina Volleyball Player of the Year, 2019 SCISA Player of the Year and was a member of the Under Armor All First Team -American in 2021, just to name a few. .
Given Singletary's long list of accomplishments, it wasn't easy for the athlete to sit on the sidelines during his first year as a Longhorn. “At the time, it was tough because, you know, I come out of high school, I have all these accolades, and then I go to college and I redshirt.”
“It was a huge moment of growth for me… maturing and being able to see the whole situation,” she said. “Looking back, I’m very grateful for it because it allowed me to learn under four crazy All-American middle blockers and I’m so much wiser for it.”
The Texan athlete's list of accolades continues to grow
Singletary was finally able to play alongside her teammates during her sophomore year as a “redshirt freshman.” That season, the Longhorns won their second consecutive NCAA national championship.
Source: Jamie Schwaberow / Getty
In his final 2024 season, Singletary was twice appointed SEC Player of the Week. She also won Defensive Player of the Week three times in a row.
Singletary is excited about the future of volleyball
As volleyball grows in popularity, excitement grows around new professional leagues like the Pro Volleyball Federation and League One Volleyball (LOVB), which are shaping the future of the sport in the United States. “You can now attend sold-out volleyball matches. and it’s huge,” Singletary said.
For America's elite players, it's an opportunity to play closer to home instead of traveling abroad to further their careers. “It’s really exciting,” Singletary said. “It’s nice to know that you can get a college degree and still play the sport you love in a place that’s familiar to you, and that your family can come see you.”
“I’m a student-athlete ambassador for LOVB and it’s another great league to watch,” she said. “There’s so much going on around volleyball. »
Watch the full conversation with Marianna Singletary above. Listen to this episode of SZN opener on the Urban One Podcast Network or your favorite podcast streaming platform. Or check out the visual podcast on The life of Cassius YouTube channel.
About the “SZN Opener” podcast
SZN Opener returns with all-new episodes for Season 3, featuring the brightest and most promising Black student-athletes in college sports today. Hosted by dynamic on-air personality Rodney Rikai, this podcast features in-depth interviews with athletes sharing their stories of hard work, character and excellence on and off the playing field. As they face demanding schedules and planning their careers beyond graduation, these college athletes demonstrate focus and dedication in all aspects of their lives. Log in to SZN Opener and learn more about CassiusLife.com.
DIY VIRAL
