Kenston Forest School senior volleyball star Leslie Lu Walker recently committed to play at the next level for Hollins University, and she formalized this commitment last week with a signing ceremony that drew family, friends, coaches and administration.

Shortly after making her commitment, Walker spoke about the journey to achieving this goal and what it meant to have reached her destination.

“It’s such a wonderful experience for me,” she said. Speaking of Hollins, she added, “The atmosphere is fantastic.”

She noted the NCAA Division III school based in Roanoke feels quite familiar, which will allow for an easy transition.

As a volleyball player, she said she is grateful for this opportunity “because I didn’t expect to make it this far.”

She put in the hard work necessary to make it happen, though. She has played for seven years, including some club volleyball in South Hill in addition to her time at Kenston Forest.

It had been her goal to play college volleyball “probably since the ninth grade,” she said. “I had a great coach that year, and she kind of pushed me to try harder, so I looked into it around 10th grade at the school.”

There were other colleges to consider, but she cited Hollins as her top choice from the beginning. She noted particularly liking the fact that it is a smaller school.

Kenston Forest Varsity Girls Volleyball Head Coach Jannon Coley expressed excitement for Walker’s college commitment.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing for her,” Coley said. “I wish her all the best. I think she’ll be a great asset for the team.”

Walker said she wants to major in English.

Asked to whom she would give thanks for helping put her in the position to play college volleyball, Walker said, “My mom. She’s only missed one volleyball game since I started playing in middle school.”

Walker’s parents, Melinda and William Walker, were present at last week’s signing.

Reacting to her daughter’s commitment, Melinda said, “It means a great deal because she is reaching goals and dreams that she set for herself and that she’s worked hard to attain, so her daddy and I couldn’t be any prouder.”