Reneau has been a pleasant surprise for 'Dogs

Reneau expresses love for both beach and indoor volleyball

By Courtney Roque

Christianna Reneau may have grown up playing volleyball in the sand and sun of California’s coast, but now the hard floor of Fresno State’s North Gym is her home court.

Reneau, an 18-year-old outside hitter from Corona, Calif., is in her first semester at Fresno State. Several schools recruited her, including Cal State Northridge and Cal State Fullerton, but she ultimately decided to be a member of the Bulldogs.

“The coaches are great here, and I really get along with their style of coaching—they’re great with the team,” Reneau said. She was the quality of coaching at Fresno State that was the most significant deciding factor when she was considering colleges.

While at Corona High School, Reneau was listed among the top 250 prep volleyball players and also excelled in soccer and track and field. She set a school record in the 100 high hurdles and led her soccer teams to two league championships, along with winning several other athletic accolades.

She hasn’t slowed down since starting college, having already established herself as a strong starting player and surpassing even her own expectations.

In Western Athletic Conference games statistics, Reneau is one of three Bulldogs rookies ranked among the league’s best in kills, digs and points. She is the only freshman ranked in the WAC’s top 10 in kill average, and she is one of only three conference hitters averaging at least five kills per game.

Reneau is also the only freshman in WAC play listed among the league’s top 10 in points scored—she is fourth with a 5.52 average.

“I never expected to start or play as much as I do, so to not come off the court at all (during a match) is awesome,” Reneau said.

She began playing soccer as a 4-year-old and was introduced to volleyball at age 14 by a teammate. A year later, she started playing beach volleyball.

“I just love it—I basically grew up on the beach,” Reneau said. The most obvious difference between beach volleyball and the indoor style she plays now is also the most significant, she said.

“The sand is such a big deal,” Reneau said. One of the hardest aspects for her was learning how to move around in the sand quickly and jump out of it correctly. Still, she thinks, it’s not easy to become a skilled beach or indoor volleyball player.

“For me, there are things I have to work on in both types, but I do love both,” she said.

Besides loving the game itself, Reneau thirsts for competition and the adrenaline rush that comes from winning.

“I’m really competitive—most of the people who know me will say that about me. I love competing, and I love winning. When you win, it’s like it all comes together.”

But even winning comes at a price.

“It’s pretty much my life, other than church on Sundays,” Reneau said. Her busy volleyball practice and match schedule doesn’t allow time for much else besides studying. In addition to the physical requirements that come with being on the team, members are also required to spend six hours per week in study hall and are also expected to meet with their athletic counselor.

Nevertheless, Reneau sees playing volleyball as a privilege rather than a sacrifice. She said all sports can help develop skills that apply to other areas of life.

“I’ve always had a strong work ethic, probably because I’ve been in sports since I was 4 years old. I think it’s made me more outgoing, too.”

Reneau’s hard-working nature has shone through in her playing this season, although the team is off to a slow start in conference play at 4-5.

“I’m not disappointed with how the year’s going so far, but there have been disappointments along the way,” she said. “We’re trying to come together as a team and work together, and I think that will help a lot.”

One major disappointment for the team was the loss of senior outside hitter Kristen Fenton, who left the squad in early October for personal reasons.

“[Fenton] was an integral part of the team, but we had players that were able to step in,” Reneau said.

“She made her decision and had her own priorities, so we’re just going to go on without her.”

Reneau said the team respects Fenton’s decision and there are no hard feelings toward her.

Reneau would eventually like to play for the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), the most sought-after beach volleyball circuit in the nation. For now, the liberal studies major is content to keep her playing limited to the indoor court.

“I just work as hard as I can, and if it works, it works,” Reneau said.