We Will Make All Decisions in Accordance with Governing Regulations

By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider
            Part of Baylor's 2019 Final Four and Big 12 championship team, Nicole O'Banon has made a smooth transition since returning as Volleyball's Director of Operations in June 2022.

            Terry Tucker, Director of Event Management & Facilities, has enjoyed watching O'Banon (formerly Thomas) as a 6-1 middle blocker for the Bears "and then make your way into being a vital component of Baylor Volleyball."

            "It's been great to work with you," Tucker said, "because you do the best you can in letting us know what y'all need, your schedule and what kind of things are affecting how things are going for the program."

            Finishing up her first year with Baylor Athletics and the volleyball program, O'Banon won the One Standard, One Accord staff award for making all decisions in accordance with governing regulations.

            "I'm so proud of you, and I love working with you every day," said Madelon Allen, associate director of athletics communications and the volleyball team SID. "You make everyone else's job easier by doing your job so well. You're so organized, you bring so much joy to the team and the staff, and I'm just blessed to call you a co-worker and a friend."

            A four-year letter winner as a middle blocker for the Bears, O'Banon was a leader in the Baylor Huddle of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and graduated with her undergrad degree in biology with honors in 2019.

            Faith Lynch, a junior defensive specialist from Magnolia, Texas, says her favorite memory of O'Banon is working an FCA camp with her last summer.

            "Truly then, I got to see how caring you are, how servant-hearted," Lynch said, "and I feel like our relationship just took off from then. You serve Baylor volleyball so well in a key role for our team. You just make all of our travel trips so seamless. You are just awesome."

            A junior middle blocker from Prosper, Texas, Ava Grace Haggard said O'Banon is the definition of a servant.

            "Just the way that you serve us, serve the team, serve the staff," Haggard said. "Whatever we need, you're willing to give your best and your all to it. Your devotion to the team, your kindness and your love of the Lord does not go unnoticed and does not go unseen. You are so deserving of this award."

            Congrats, Nicole, on your staff award for making all decisions in accordance with governing regulations.

We Will Make All Decisions in Accordance with Governing Regulations

Players Mentioned

Ava Grace Haggard

Faith Lynch

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