Erin Cheatum never had to look far to find her next volleyball home. The Wichita native grew up just down the road from Friends University, and when it came time to choose a college, staying close felt right. The program gave her the chance to compete in her hometown, pursue her education, and be part of a team that matched her energy.
Now a sophomore, Cheatum is embracing a new role and a fresh start. With a coaching change resetting the tone, she's leaned into the challenge — adapting, growing, and learning what it means to lead even as an underclassman. This season, she's finding her rhythm on the court and her voice in the locker room.
From the beginning, Friends offered the balance Cheatum wanted. "Staying home was critical in choosing which college to attend," she said. Volleyball and academics made Friends an easy choice, and the transition has been smoother than she expected. The coaching shift brought a clean slate, and she's used it to show how coachable she can be, how quickly she can adjust, and how much she loves the game.
With more experience and confidence, Cheatum has seen her responsibilities grow. She understands teammates are watching, especially the younger players. "Even as a sophomore, being a returner has changed a lot," she said. "I need to be a good example and just show that I can be a good athlete to my peers, my team, and everyone around me."
Her focus is simple: stay steady. On game days, she keeps things calm to balance the adrenaline that comes with competition. "I usually like to be as chill as I can," Cheatum said. She listens to music, arrives early to the gym, visits the training room if needed, and makes sure she's fueled for the night ahead. It's a routine that helps her step onto the court grounded and prepared.
The team's goals are clear and collective. Growth, above all, is the standard. "Our biggest goal is just growth," she said. "We talk a lot about getting 1% better each day." They want that daily work to show up in matches — to prove they can contend with anyone in the conference and build something strong together.
The Falcons are eager to show what they've been building, and Cheatum hopes the campus community will join them. "Come see us play this Friday, September 4th at 6 o'clock," she said. "Go Falcons."
