Nicole Wilsonis switching to basketball.

By Sam Wilson

Published Oct. 12, 2007

The MU volleyball team got its second straight sweep and fourth straight win on Wednesday night against the Texas A&M Aggies. Sophomore setter Megan Wilson had 17 kills.

"In all aspects of the game, she really did a nice job tonight," coach Wayne Kreklow said. "Megan blocked well. I think from a coaching standpoint, we're always looking for the improvement in the little things that we talk about in practice on a daily basis."

Making the night even more special for Wilson was that, as usual, her older sister Nicole was in attendance — this time as a crowd member.

"It's huge," Megan Wilson said. "It's that sense of knowing that Nicole is there, and after the game, she'll be like well, 'You were really early tonight.' She'll give me that feedback, but not in a negative way. And, it's just so much fun to turn around and see Nicole sitting in the stands. It was more fun seeing her out on the court with me, but I'll take what I can get."

Nicole Wilson said there are times where she wishes she could still be playing as well.

"There's times I miss it, but there's times I know it's time to move on," she said. "But I'd love to be out there."

Nicole Wilson said she has been enjoying seeing her sister develop more confidence in her game.

"It's fun to watch her develop and get a chance to show what she can do," she said.

Last season was Nicole Wilson's last in terms of volleyball eligibility. In her four-year Tiger career, she recorded 1156 kills on a .345 hitting percentage.

Wilson remains a student at MU.

And when she decided to volunteer in athletic director Mike Alden's suite at football games this season, she was in for a surprise.

"(Women's basketball coach Cindy Stein) and her assistants came in and they were like, 'Hey, do you want to play?'" she said. "I was like, 'Sure, why not?'"

Wilson has one year of eligibility to play basketball. She has not played organized basketball since her high school career ended more than four years ago.

"I was really excited for her because we come from a huge basketball family," Megan Wilson said. "It's going to be rough because she's extremely hard on herself. That's just the way that we are."

Nicole Wilson said she is still unsure of what to expect tonight, when the women's basketball team officially opens practice during Mizzou Madness.

"It's going to be intimidating," she said. "I'm nervous about it. I'm excited though. It will be fun."

As for playing time, Nicole Wilson is not coming in with high expectations.

"Probably more of an encourager," she said to describe her role. "Just an alongside player. I'll fill in where I'm needed."

Megan Wilson said she won't be giving her sister feedback after games.

"I might say a little bit," she said. "But, I don't know, I think that's more of my dad's role. Because my dad played professional basketball and he's huge into basketball."