Alexander hits milestone, notches 1,000 assists

By Sean Meyers

PITTSBURGH --- Heading into her senior season at Carlow University, women's volleyball player Meghan Alexander was primarily focused on being a leader for the program. Serving as a captain, Alexander wanted to set an example for the younger players on the roster, while also acting as a sounding board for her teammates when necessary.

While most of her attention went towards helping the Celtics achieve a successful campaign, the setter also had a personal goal in mind. She finished the 2022 season just shy of 1,000 career assists.

That milestone was in the sights for Alexander this year, and she achieved the mark in the USCAA Tip-Off Tournament at Penn State Beaver on Sept. 2.

"Hitting 1,000 assists has always been a goal, even since I was little," Alexander revealed. "I wanted to do it in high school, thought about it in club, but it was more a reality when it became a collegiate thing.

"I knew towards the end of the season last year that I was nearing it. It was one of my goals to hit last season, but I had an injury," she continued. "I knew it was going to happen this year."

Carlow won its first three matches in the tournament, with Alexander posting 46 total assists. That set the stage for Alexander in the championship match against the University of Cincinnati Clermont. In the third set, Alexander dished out a pass that put her in the history books.

"Obviously I was very excited, but I was also very focused on winning the game and then celebrating afterwards," she stated, noting that the action did not stop for the milestone. "I came off the court and Julie (Gaul) looked at me and she was like 'You did it. You hit 1,000 assists.'"

Shortly thereafter, Alexander was able to celebrate as the Celtics claimed a five-set victory and the tournament title.

"It meant a lot. It was probably the best experience having that happen at that tournament," she said.

"I was very overwhelmed with all my teammates' support and congratulations," Alexander detailed. "My family went behind the scenes and made some signs and stuff. It was really nice to have their support."

Her strong play at that event also garnered her national recognition, as Alexander was chosen as the USCAA Division I Player of the Week.

A graduate of Penn-Trafford High School, Alexander's career with the Celtics began during the COVID-abbreviated 2020 season. She played in all eight matches, dishing out a team-best 106 assists. The following campaign, Alexander appeared in all 31 matches, amassing 412 assists. Last year, Alexander played in 25 matches, compiling 424 assists, leaving her 58 helpers shy of 1,000.

Alexander was quick to note that her teammates over the past four years have been instrumental in her accomplishment.

"I give all the credit to them. I would not have been able to reach 1,000 assists if I didn't have the passers who gave me great passes and the hitters who put the ball away," she said. "Without them, it would not be possible."

She also mentioned that one particular teammate, Cache Street, helped Alexander grow into the player she is today.

"I remember freshman year I was playing with Cache and she had a lot of those kills on the assists that I had. I really looked up to her as a senior and as a captain as she led the team," Alexander explained. "I think my leadership skills have grown a lot as a result of that."

With the individual accomplishment achieved, Alexander now has her full focus on leading the Celtics to a successful debut season in the NCAA Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC), while also keeping an eye towards the USCAA Championship in November. 

Carlow's success earlier in the season has Alexander hopeful that her senior year will be a successful one for Carlow.

"Winning those games put us on (the right) foot going forward. It put us in a good mindset and showed that our hard work through preseason, and even last year during the offseason, paid off," she said.

Additionally, Alexander has left open the possibility of playing another year for the Celtics. A neuropsychology major, Alexander is currently taking master's degree classes, and she could opt to use her extra eligibility to return to the court in 2024.