TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Troy volleyball’s season is now in full swing. Before the season started, the Trojans welcomed several new faces, one being transfer student Sophie Ocampo, but what led the middle hitter to the Wiregrass?

After four years at UT Arlington, Sophie Ocampo felt it was time for a new start. Helping lead her to Troy was Lacey Jeffcoat, a former Troy Volleyball player who was one of Ocampo’s coaches with the Mavs.

“I hopped into the transfer portal, and she [Jeffcoat] was nothing but super helpful and led me in the right direction and got me in contact with Josh [Lauer],” Ocampo said. “She spoke very highly about me, and Josh kind of took her word for it and took a chance on me.

“When I came on a visit, I just fell in love.”

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While some might worry about finding community when they move somewhere new, Ocampo had hers waiting to help her carry boxes up.

“I got here, and all the girls helped me move in,” Ocampo said. “It was like we instantly clicked. I was rooming with Addie Kersting.

“The girls were so welcoming, and Troy, as a program, does not bring in transfers that often because they value culture, building them up from freshmen, but they took a chance on me, and I am so grateful.”

When she was with the Mavs, Ocampo wore six for her mother, who also played volleyball. Now she wears 14 to feel close to a different family member.

“I wore six for the longest time because that was her [Ocampo’s mother] number, and it is a significant number for the family, and then my younger sister actually wore 14,” Ocampo said. “Coming to Troy and having the opportunity to switch my number, I think that felt right and made me feel a little bit more connected to my sister.

“I am playing this last year for her just because she is going into her sophomore year of college at Davidson.”

Ocampo says she and the team have high expectations for this season, but they feel no pressure.

Ocampo and the Trojans return to action this weekend when they play the Florida Atlantic Owls and the Florida Gators. Both matchups are in Gainesville, with FAU on Saturday at 1 and the Gators on Sunday at noon; that game is streaming live on SEC Network.