Photo courtesy of Mark Evans Alexia Bowers recently finished her high school career with 526 varsity kills, 369 digs and a District 10 championship — the second D10 title in Warren program history.

Alexia Bowers fell in love with volleyball all the way back to her first kill in seventh grade.

She recently finished her high school career with 526 varsity kills, 369 digs and a District 10 championship — the second D10 title in program history.

The senior doesn’t want it to end.

“I started falling in love with the sport during tryouts in seventh grade,” she said. “I loved learning about it and playing it in general. I realized I was pretty good my sophomore year when I started playing varsity. I also realized during my junior year that I could play at the next level when I started my recruiting process.”

The next level is signing to play at Division II Slippery Rock University beginning next fall. It’s truly a dream realized.

“I have thought of Slippery Rock for a while, honestly, because both of my parents went there,” said Bowers. “My goals have been to play at the D2 college level since I started playing in seventh grade.

“I visited Bloomsburg, Lycoming, Penn State Behrend, Fairmont University, Penn State Hazleton, Shippensburg, and Slippery Rock,” she said. “Honestly, going to college without playing volleyball really was not an option for me. I love the sport so much, so I worked hard in practice and outside of it to achieve where I am right now.

“Now that I have decided on a college, I feel so relieved and excited,” added Bowers. “Two weeks ago, I was stressed and nervous about making my decision so late. But I am so happy I waited because Slippery Rock is where I want to be.”

Coming off a Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association (PVCA) District 10 Class AAA all-star nod with a team that finished 15-3 including a thrilling 3-2 victory over Meadville in the D10 title game, Bowers is never done learning and growing her game.

“To win D10 was a major factor that pushed me to work hard, but also knowing that I wanted to play a higher level of volleyball when I graduated pushed me even harder all year around,” said Bowers. “I attended many camps to help improve my skill and lifted throughout the summer.”

She had 262 kills this season, and finished with double-digit kills in her last six three-plus-set matches.

“Big congratulations to Alexia!” said Warren coach Mike Dolan. “Her love for the game and willingness to put in the work necessary to get recruited to play at the next level is inspiring. She has been a terrific leader and teammate, always holding herself accountable and working to improve. It has been fun to watch her develop into a dynamic attacker this season, using her impressive athleticism to elevate and finish some great kills in some of the biggest moments. Knowing how she has such high expectations for herself, I look forward to seeing her continue to grow her game at Slippery Rock.”

Alexia’s mom, Brittany, is mostly proud of the person her daughter has become.

“Alexia’s recruiting journey began at the end of her sophomore year with a prospect camp at PennWest California (University of Pennsylvania),” said Brittany. “That would have been the first time she met the SRU coaching staff and other coaches that she started working with. When looking for a school and a team, her focus was on team culture. Up until (last week), she had it narrowed down to her top three schools. She worked really hard throughout the last year — visiting schools, meeting with coaches, many dinners and lunches with coaches and teams, as well as maintaining consistent communication with coaches through email, text, Zoom, and phone calls. She built relationships with all of the coaches and teams she had been connecting with. It was really bittersweet for her to have to let the other coaches know she made a decision.

“Prior to making the decision, she had the opportunity to go to dinner with the team, and spend time with the other recruits on game day,” added Brittany. “She was able to experience what it would be like to be a part of the SRU team by being there for dinner, warm-up, pregame and post game in the locker room.

“As her mother, looking on the outside, I’m just so proud of the mature young adult that she has become,” said Brittany. “She put in the effort and time to show who she was as a person and an athlete. Now, she’s heading into my alma mater, as a legacy, pursuing her major in a phenomenal academic program, while getting to play the sport she is so passionate about.”

Alexia will be majoring in Psychology at Slippery Rock, but the volleyball team made her say “absolutely” to the next level.

“My trip there was great,” she said. “I went on a tour to see the campus and I fell in love. The campus is gorgeous and I love the variety of courses they have for students to take. What made me say ‘absolutely,’ though, was the enthusiasm the volleyball coaches have and the positive team culture.

“My mom and dad introduced me to sports,” said Alexia. “I participated in cheerleading for seven years, starting when my mom was the coach for the WAHS cheer team. I also participated in diving and I still run track. I have played volleyball for six years.

“My biggest influences are my parents and coaches,” she said. “They helped me grow throughout these four (high school) years as a person and an athlete.”

While skyrocketing to the Rockets, the Dragons will never leave her. Warren will never leave her.

“What I will miss the most about high school is the sound of the Flannel Panel (student cheering section),” said Alexia. “They were always so hyped and loud for our games. They did a great job supporting us throughout the season. Also, being in it during football and basketball games was always fun. When I leave Warren, I will also really miss seeing my friends that I’ve grown up with since kindergarten and, of course, the Arbor House coffee.”

It isn’t just coffee that makes Alexia go.

“I am who I am today because of my parents,” she said. “I have learned from them important morals and lessons that have shaped me as a person. They have always pushed me to do my best at everything, especially academics and sports. I set high expectations for myself and goals to help push me to be successful.”