Enquirer photo/Lauren Jackson
Brewer High student Joan Lang signs to play volleyball for Gadsden State Community College, with her family surrounding her.

By Lauren Jackson lauren.jackson@hartselleenquirer.com

Brewer High student Joan Lang committed last week to play volleyball for Gadsden State Community College.
Lang began playing volleyball when she was in the sixth grade and said being able to play at the next level has been a dream come true. “It feels really good. It’s like my rock now,” Lang said. “It’s like before I got this scholarship, I didn’t know what I was going to do, then the Gadsden State coach called me, and it totally changed my world.”

Jill Faulkner has coached Lang for the past six years, and she said one of Lang’s defining characteristics is her determination. “She works hard, and she is an excellent athlete. When she gets it in her head that she wants to win, she is going to be the one that makes that play or rallies everyone together. She is that player,” Faulkner said.
Faulkner said even Lang’s scholarship is a result of her will to succeed. After not having received a scholarship during the regular season, Lang went to open tryouts at Gadsden State. “It was really on her; no one came to her,” Faulkner said. “She kept trying, and that’s why she is getting to play.”
Lang will be entering general studies at Gadsden State, but she said she plans to study kinesiology after she completes her time with the Cardinals. She said she is most excited to be able to continue her volleyball career. “I get to play the sport I love for two more years, so that is amazing,” Lang said.
Faulkner said the Cardinals will be gaining a huge advantage in having Lang join the team. “They are gaining an incredible spirit. She will add enthusiasm to any team she plays for,” Faulkner said.