Julia Menosky has always been a welcoming person with a positive attitude, but her tenacity was tested this fall season when she discovered she was the only one from her class on the Point Park University volleyball team that also featured thirteen newcomers.

But as the season progressed, she turned that role as the only sophomore on the team into her starting position as varsity team’s setter that later brought some rewarding accomplishments to her and the team.

“It definitely gives a little edge to be the only one, but I don’t mind,” Menosky said of her role as “the lone wolf” second-year player.

Her hard work and determination to lead by example has shown why there has been so many accomplishments for the team and herself.

Entering this week, Menosky has earned 946 assists along with 230 digs. That has given her an average 10.75 assists and 2.61 digs per game.

Head coach Mike Bruno, now in his 13th season with the team, has noticed the athlete’s hard work and skills as a setter. He also noticed Menosky’s strong leadership, devotion and confident upbringing to the team.

“She brings a positive element to the team and is always working hard,” Bruno said. “She is very confident, calm and collective on the court.”

Bridget Bielich, who is in her third season as assistant coach, agreed with Bruno’s comments.

“She has a great, positive attitude, takes the game seriously and always wants to improve,” Bielich said.

Menosky has been a hard-working athlete even before she came to Point Park. Along with volleyball, she has played softball and basketball from kindergarten to seventh grade, and even began bowling in high school.

She’s earned some major accomplishments that she is proud to reminisce on, such as winning a high school state title in volleyball.

The presented success from her hard work and athletic skills did not stop in high school.

Next to becoming setter for the team, Menosky was surprised to find that she had earned the River States Conference “Setter of the Week” title for her third time on Oct. 9.

“I couldn’t have gotten that award without them,” Mensoky said of her teammates on earning the title. “I was shocked the first time, but the third time has shown how far we have come as a team.”

Being the setter of the team is often referred to as being the “quarterback.” With that, leading the team is crucial, and Menosky knows the pressure can become very overwhelming.

She also knows that being a younger player means for plenty of time for improvements. While Coach Bruno hopes to work on Menosky’s quick decision-making and increasing her tempo speed, Menosky has some of her own personal goals to achieve.

“I definitely need to become more vocal on the court,” she said. “But I also hope to become a better leader for the girls to look up to and hopefully lead the team to the championships.”

Menosky’s teammates all seem to admire her positivity and willpower to help lead the team to victory.

Meg Reineke, Menosky’s friend and the team’s outside hitter, said that Menosky has helped her out on and off the court.

Reineke, 21, from New Knoxville, Ohio, transferred to Point Park and said Menosky spoke highly of the university, making Reineke feel more at ease when she arrived.

“She is very welcoming, smart and focused, and she is always bringing people up on the court,” Reineke said. “She’s a great friend and is always there in times of need.”

Reineke and Menosky are even serious about helping each other through the tougher times during games.

“When people get in our heads, we work together through it,” Reineke said.

Her coaches and teammates hope to see Menosky go far in the future, from leading the team to the championship as the setter, to commencement and future alumni games.

Menosky is currently majoring in business and hopes to stick around sports with her major, although she is undecided at the moment. During her spare time, she enjoys relaxing, listening to music and even coaches in the off-season.

While there is time to make decisions with her major, Menosky, for now, wants to stay focused and do well in school, all while maintaining a balance with sports.