Sophomore Betsy Ronda’s cup is never half-empty.

Ronda’s knack for staying positive will play an important role for the Grand Valley State University women’s volleyball team this season, as the 2012 GLIAC Freshman of the Year looks to lead the
Lakers to the top of the conference.

The young Laker has plenty of reasons to be enthusiastic about her career thus far. Her rookie season wound up being one for the record books, as the outside hitter became the first freshman in school history to garnish All-GLIAC First Team honors.

GVSU head coach Deanna Scanlon said it all starts with Ronda’s attitude.

“Betsy just has a demeanor about her—she brings an energy,” Scanlon said. “She’s never going to look at something in a negative way. In volleyball you have to forget about mistakes, and to have that demeanor is so helpful.”

Ronda’s positive mind-set makes her a natural leader on the court, both vocally and statistically.

The former standout from East Grand Rapids High School led the team in kills (390) and aces (32) last year, which led to her being named a team captain in the offseason.

Her upbeat state of mind seems to keep her and her teammates from dwelling on a bad play.

“My role is to be loud, stay positive and lead by example,” she said.

Ronda also tallied a team-high 19 double-doubles as a freshman, starting in all 33 matches.

In her mind, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

“I can still improve everywhere,” she said. “Consistency is the big thing. Especially after last season, I know there will be an expectation to be consistent. I came in with the mindset that I will always have to work as hard as I possibly can.”

Ronda joined an elite class after being named the GLIAC’s top freshman, placing her name alongside GVSU greats Colleen Murphy (1987), Carrie Baker (1991) and Rebeccah Rapin (2007).

Each of her predecessors went on to earn multiple AVCA All-Midwest Region honors.

Junior teammate Abby Aiken said Ronda is far more concerned with the team’s accomplishments than her own individual accolades.

“She knows that was last year,” Aiken said. “Betsy understands that she has to keep improving. She wants everyone around her to be better, and she’s focused on the team’s success.”

The Lakers will rely heavily on Ronda this season, as the team hopes to improve on a 25-8 campaign that ended with a 3-1 loss to Hillsdale College in the Midwest Regional Tournament.

If she is able to elevate her game to an even higher level, it could mean big things for GVSU.

Scanlon said she is pleased to be coaching such a unique talent, who turned down offers from Division I schools before making Allendale her home.

“We knew all along that this was the right place for her,” Scanlon said. “It’s very hard for freshmen to come in and make that sort of impact at the college level. We’re just glad we got her.”

Ronda and the Lakers will begin their season at the Riverfront Hotel Grand Rapids Classic on Sep. 6, as the Lakers square off against Adelphi University at 1 p.m. before taking on St. Leo University at 7 p.m.