PARALLEL PATH: BHS volleyball star to play at OKWU for mom, set to carve out own identity
Even before her daughter Sydney blinked her eyes for the first time, Tracie Gillette was a major player in local volleyball.
First, she starred at Oklahoma Wesleyan University as a hitter, earning notable postseason recognition while helping elevate the program to new heights of success.
Next, in the late 1990’s, Gillette became part of the Bartlesville High School volleyball program — first as an assistant and then as the head coach.
She guided the 2000-01 Lady Bruin team — dubbed by the E-E as the “Seismic Seven” — to a state tournament appearance.
Some years after her coaching tenure at Bartlesville High ended, Gillette grabbed the reins of the OKWU Lady Eagles’ volleyball program — a gig she has held for more than a decade now.
In what some might term a serendipitous valediction, the past, present and future are connecting in a graceful pattern of destiny for Gillette and Sydney.
As of a few days ago, Sydney Collins officially committed her college volleyball future to Oklahoma Wesleyan University and her mom.
Gillette is thrilled on both levels — the chance to coach her daughter at her alma mater and the landing of an exceptional talent from Bartlesville High.
Collins started all four years on varsity for the Lady Bruins.
Displaying her chiseled versatility, she starred her first two years as the libero, and her final two years as the primary setter.
Collins and her fellow seniors spearheaded Bartlesville’s charge to more than 20 wins — one of the greatest seasons in school history.
During her four-year career at Bartlesville, Collins — and fellow Class of 2022 star Mia Otten — sparked more than 55 wins, perhaps as many or more wins than Bartlesville had achieved in the previous seven or eight seasons combined.
Small wonder the 5-foot-5 Collins — also an exceptional defensive player, passer and server — appears to be a valuable commodity for the future of OKWU Lady Eagle volleyball.
“I’m very excited to get that type of player,” Gillette said. “Just her I.Q. I’m sure that has to do with her growing up as a gym rat. I look for her being part of our offense as a setter next year. Her defensive skills also are top notch.”
In addition to honing her skills at Bartlesville High, Collins also has played club volleyball at a very high level, Gillette said.
“She’s been well-coached,” Gillette said. “She’s had some fantastic volleyball coaches who know the game, including coach (Jen) Ward.”
Ward coached Collins the last three years at Bartlesville.
Even though Gillette celebrates Collins’ choice to play for OKWU, this was totally her option, she emphasized.
“I never did pressure her,” Gillette said. “She never felt pressure from me.”
But, Collins’ has had a goal since childhood of playing for OKWU, Gillette said, adding that she’ll be wearing Gillette’s number (No. 8) from her playing days at the school.
“We’ll try to navigate through this and enjoy it as much as we can,” Gillette said.
As an added emotional bonus, Gillette said she’s happy Collins played for Bartlesville High.
“I’ve got a place in my heart for (Bartlesville),” she said. “For her to come in with Tom Williams and ended with such a knowledgeable coach like coach Ward was wonderful.”
But, Gillette doesn’t consider Collins as following in her footsteps — rather as following a parallel path.
“I feel like she is going to make her own footsteps,” Gillette said. “There is no way she is under the shadow of Tracie Anderberg (Gillette’s maiden name).”
In addition to her many highlights last fall on the volleyball court, Collins also earned the studentbody vote as the Homecoming Queen.
“She was very excited,” Gillette said. “It’s kind of tun to see nice girls win it. She’s a friend to many, a friend to all, and it’s kind of fun to see her peers voted for her. She’ll have that memory forever.”
Collins is set to build several more recollections on the college level — as both a product of one of the area’s volleyball royalty but also as an unique and singular dynamic talent.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Bartlesville High School volleyball star signs to play at OKWU