Westmoore's Bert grew through struggles

TULSA — Alyssa Bert never expected to be in her yellow libero jersey on the court at the Mabee Center.

At Westmoore, making AllState in volleyball is a rarity. But Bert is special, a talented defender who is bound to play at Colorado State.

“It just happened ,” Bert said .“I just love playing volleyball.”

Bert is the first Oklahoma Coaches Association AllState volleyball selection at Westmoore since 2010. Her coach, K ac ia Sandburg, was the first selection from Moore Public Schools in

Bert 2005.

For four years, Bert worked to establish West moore in the volleyball world. There were losses and frustration, but she grew ahead of her college career.

Bert spoke with The Oklahoman ahead of Tuesday night' s All-State matches about her growth and more.

Q: What does it mean for you to be here?

A: “It means a lot, because doing something that doesn't get done a lot there means a lot to me. It shows it' s possible. It is possible, just setting the bar for everyone else.”

How did you work to help establish Westmoore through the struggles?

“It took lots of trial and error. I went through lots of things not working. Just pushing everyone. Me doing my best to be great to make everyone else be great. Not bossing people around; I discovered that doesn't work. Just making volleyball fun. When you're getting mad at your teammates that doesn't make volleyball fun. When you're encouraging them and helping them positively, that makes it better.”

That takes experience to learn that. When did you figure that out?

“It was probably late sophomore year that I learned that. I was on varsity all four years, so it was always a struggle losing a lot. It got easier whenever we made it fun.”

Do you feel like you're a better leader going into college now?

“I was presented the option before going into high school to l eave and go somewhere else. Honestly, it was the best decision ever staying because I feel like it did make me more of a versatile player, made me a better leader and really made me some life-long friends because we did struggle together.”

You committed to Colorado State when you were 15. Why there?

“It' s awesome there. They' re really good, is one thing. So, that's really fun. Going into a successful program is something that I'm excited for and something I haven' t always ex perienced. Everyone's free to be themselves. Everyone loves everyone, and I really like that.”