Small but Mighty: Tori Folsom's journey to college volleyball

SIKESTON — “I hear the train a coming; it’s rolling round the bend.”

Those famous lyrics from Johnny Cash seem fitting for Tori Folsom’s journey to playing college volleyball. As a smaller player and defensive specialist, Folsom faced many obstacles on her way to achieving her dream.

But like a train that won’t be stopped, she kept pushing forward.

Sikeston's Tori Folsom was honored on Senior Night at the Sikeston Field House Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)By David Jenkins/Standard Democrat

“I used my size to my advantage,” Folsom said. “Instead of trying to reach higher, I made sure I was the lowest player on the team to save as many balls as I can. When I was younger, I saw volleyball as a hitting game but I was too small to reach the net. I continued playing and realized there is much more to it than being tall and jumping to hit the ball. The main focus is to keep the ball alive and that is my job as a defensive player, and to start the offense. All my coaches and family believed in me and it motivated me to never quit.”

After years of hard work and dedication, Folsom’s perseverance paid off when she recently signed to continue her academic and athletic journey at Lewis and Clark Community College.

“This place was right for me because head coach Jim Hunstein inspired me to keep following my passion for volleyball,” she said. “He was very welcoming and supportive of me even before I signed to play for him, and that meant something to me.”

Sikeston's Tori Folsom serves to Saxony Lutheran Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at the Sikeston Field House. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

As Folsom reflected on her journey, she explains that she had not planned on continuing to play volleyball after her senior year of high school. However, her mother shared videos of her playing on a scouting website, which caught the attention of college coaches and boosted her confidence.

“I enjoyed these past seasons so much, and when it came time to make a decision about playing in college. I couldn’t imagine my future without volleyball,” she said.

Folsom’s journey with volleyball began when she was just 10 years old and her love and passion were evident in the way she talked about the sport.

Sikeston's Tori Folsom competes during the Sikeston Jamboree on Wednesday, August 24, at the Sikeston Field House. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“When I was younger, I planned to play every sport I could,” she explained. “Overall, volleyball was my favorite. What I enjoy the most about volleyball is the excitement it gives me. I’m usually quiet, so I like being loud and yelling the entire game.”

Folsom’s goals for her college career were both personal and team-oriented.

“I hope to improve individually,” she said. “I can always learn more and go beyond the talent I have now. As a team player, I want my teammates to rely on me and know that they can trust me to be the best libero for them.”

Sikeston's Tori Folsom (20) serves during a 3-1 win over Portageville at the Field House on Tuesday, Oct. 4.Dennis Marshall/Standard Democrat

With her resolve and commitment to the sport, there’s no doubt that Folsom will achieve great things on and off the court.

When asked about advice for younger athletes who aspire to play at the college level, Folsom stressed the importance of self-confidence.

“I encourage younger athletes to believe in themselves,” she said. “If they have the confidence and don’t get down, they will be successful and happier for the team and themselves.”

Sikeston's Tori Folsom serves against Malden Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, at the Sikeston Field House. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)By David Jenkins/Standard Democrat

Beyond the court, volleyball has had a profound impact on Folsom’s life.

“Volleyball had given me so many connections and friendships that I would never have had if I didn’t play,” she said. “It gave me the motivation to stay active and learn patience with others.”

Sikeston volleyball coach Chelsie Holifield praised Folsom as the hardest working player on the team and believes that playing for the Trailblazers will be the right fit, as the level of competition will challenge her and help her continue to grow.

“Every single day she shows up and gives her all,” Holifield said. “It inspires everyone around her. Everyone loves playing with her because she always pushes them to be better.”

Despite the challenges of transitioning to college-level play, Holifield is confident that Folsom is ready for this new chapter of her volleyball career.

“She is without a doubt ready,” Holifield said. “I believe she will be very successful.”

As Folsom, embarks on the next chapter of her volleyball journey, she does so with the assurance of her future coach at Lewis and Clark, Jim Hunstein.

“I expect [Folsom] to have a very strong impact on our program,” Hunstein said. “What caught my eye was all the things she does away from the ball to make the team better. Yes, she has very good ball control and a very effective serve, but it was the intangibles she did better than most that sealed the deal for me. She will make our team better and ensure a lot of tough competition at her position for everyone else.”

Lewis and Clark Community College is located in Godfrey, Illinois. The volleyball team competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in Region 24 and plays in the Mid-West Athletic Conference, which includes other community colleges in Illinois and Missouri.