George Washington University Athletics
Volleyball Alums Wrap Up Pro Seasons
5/21/2019 9:47:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Moor and Whyte represent GW on the international stage
WASHINGTON - GW volleyball alums Kristel Moor and Lauren Whyte have been carrying the torch for the Buff & Blue overseas in their professional enclaves over the last few years and saw their successful 2018-19 campaigns come to an end recently. Moor just completed her second season on the international stage, while Whyte has announced her retirement from the game after five years abroad.
Moor graduated in the fall of 2017 following a standout three years at GW, in which she averaged over 2.0 kills per set and racked up 136 total blocks in 74 matches. She was named the team's MVP during her senior year in 2017.
Moor just completed her first season with Terville-Florange OC in France after spending her initial campaign with Tal Tech/Tradehouse in her native Estonia. A member of the French "B" league, Moor helped guide the team to the league championship, its first since 2012-13.
"After my senior season at GW, I felt like I wasn't done yet," Moor said. "I wanted to keep improving as a player and challenge myself to become stronger physically and mentally. Going to play professionally was a normal and planned course of action."
"I have never been more fully engaged to volleyball than I am right now. The highs and lows as a player are intensified because performing well is the only thing you focus on and work for. Playing professionally gave me an opportunity live in France, to discover the country and culture and meet so many wonderful people. Volleyball keeps giving me opportunities in life that I would probably have never had without it."
Whyte had a decorated career at GW from 2009-12, earning Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team honors as a senior and Second Team honors as a junior and sophomore. Her 1,625 career kills and 4,948 total attempts both rank second all-time. She originally signed with Azeryol Baku of Azerbaijan's Super League, one of the top leagues in Europe.
This past season, Whyte competed for TSV Hartberg in the top-level Austrain Women's Volley League to wrap up her international career. She will be attending Duke University in the fall to begin her MBA program.
"Playing for five seasons in four countries has allowed me to travel around the world, gaining new perspectives and garnering a deeper appreciation for cultures different than my own," Whyte said. "Azerbaijan, Switzerland, the Philippines and Austria all have vastly differing customs and traditions. I have been so fortunate to be able to call each of these countries home while playing the sport I love.
"Though, of course, each season came with ups and downs, I would not trade the past four years for anything. Deciding to retire from professional volleyball after this past season was a difficult choice, but I am excited to begin my next chapter in life."
Moor graduated in the fall of 2017 following a standout three years at GW, in which she averaged over 2.0 kills per set and racked up 136 total blocks in 74 matches. She was named the team's MVP during her senior year in 2017.
Moor just completed her first season with Terville-Florange OC in France after spending her initial campaign with Tal Tech/Tradehouse in her native Estonia. A member of the French "B" league, Moor helped guide the team to the league championship, its first since 2012-13.
"After my senior season at GW, I felt like I wasn't done yet," Moor said. "I wanted to keep improving as a player and challenge myself to become stronger physically and mentally. Going to play professionally was a normal and planned course of action."
"I have never been more fully engaged to volleyball than I am right now. The highs and lows as a player are intensified because performing well is the only thing you focus on and work for. Playing professionally gave me an opportunity live in France, to discover the country and culture and meet so many wonderful people. Volleyball keeps giving me opportunities in life that I would probably have never had without it."
Whyte had a decorated career at GW from 2009-12, earning Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team honors as a senior and Second Team honors as a junior and sophomore. Her 1,625 career kills and 4,948 total attempts both rank second all-time. She originally signed with Azeryol Baku of Azerbaijan's Super League, one of the top leagues in Europe.
This past season, Whyte competed for TSV Hartberg in the top-level Austrain Women's Volley League to wrap up her international career. She will be attending Duke University in the fall to begin her MBA program.
"Playing for five seasons in four countries has allowed me to travel around the world, gaining new perspectives and garnering a deeper appreciation for cultures different than my own," Whyte said. "Azerbaijan, Switzerland, the Philippines and Austria all have vastly differing customs and traditions. I have been so fortunate to be able to call each of these countries home while playing the sport I love.
"Though, of course, each season came with ups and downs, I would not trade the past four years for anything. Deciding to retire from professional volleyball after this past season was a difficult choice, but I am excited to begin my next chapter in life."
Players Mentioned
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