Katie Finlan Serves Others On and Off Volleyball Court

Faith. Something that helps us get by. Having that trust that things are going to work out the right way and bad things will go away. It helps people have a sense of relief and preoccupied nervousness and uncertainty.

Photos courtesy of Ryan Hunt Photography/Roanoke College Athletics

It’s exactly what’s gotten Katie Finlan through her four years as a Roanoke College Maroon. The senior libero from State College took a shot to explore what else was outside her home state and county for her college volleyball career. It was not an easy decision and was one that she even second guessed early in her time in Virginia.

She was homesick and uncomfortable with not knowing anyone at her new school. There was unfamiliarity with her environment. There was a sense of doubt that she could make it work so far from home. But now, almost four years later, she’s nearing the finish line. The finish line for undergrad, that is.

It means that in just a few short weeks, college volleyball will be coming to an end. In the coming months, she will be a college graduates for the first time. But, the end of college is still a few years away as her long term goal remains to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy. While her team fights for a playoff spot in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), she puts up her own fight of keeping her grades up and applying to be accepted into her top choices for PT school.

Fortunately, she’s had great mentors in her life that have guided her towards this career, including Dr. Jennifer Reed, a close family friend back in State College. Her constant support and moments of mentorship have helped her know for certain this is the career for her. In addition to Dr. Reed, Finlan credits Chad Weight, her travel volleyball coach with Relentless Volleyball Club, for being a positive figure in her athletic career.

However, it’s been the support from her parents and her relationship with Jesus Christ that she believes has made this entire journey to college volleyball possible. Through part way through her senior year, she’s played in 73 matches and recorded 272 digs. She recently celebrated her senior night where her and three fellow seniors were honored by the Maroons athletic department.

This is one of the top athletic memories she will take with her forever, but the true top moments have been those she’s enjoyed off the floor over the years with her club, college, and high school teammates. Bus rides, experiencing new cities, and time in the various hotels with her friends will remain with her forever.

On the court, her sophomore season saw the State College Little Lions make it all the way to the state semifinals, including getting a win over their nemesis at the state level in Seneca Valley. It’s some of the best volleyball she’s been a part of in her life, but she’s hopeful that her college career can end with an ODAC crown.

No matter if there’s a trophy at the end of her college career or not, Roanoke College has given her lifelong friends, a great education, a chance to grow and meet a whole new group of friends, and be a part of the college’s Young Life, an organization that’s designed to grow faith with the younger generation.

As a libero, a young woman of faith, and a soon to be PT, Katie Finlan is someone who’s always there to lend a helping hand. Quick to speak of the others around her, she’s been a special part of the success of the Little Lions and now the Maroons volleyball programs. Best of luck in your final college season and in your application process forwards PT school, Katie! 🏐