UNA sports fans can look forward to seeing familiar faces on the soccer, volleyball and basketball teams in the upcoming seasons. Three returning players are Jennifer Osmond, on the soccer team; Hope Rayburn, on the volleyball team; and Rashaun Claiborne, on the basketball team.

Osmond, a UNA senior, plays midfield and forward on the soccer team.

She began playing soccer when she was three years old after watching her dad play. Her brother played also, so they would play together outside.

“My dad is a big inspiration, as I’ve watched him play throughout the years and he has helped coach me since I was little, until I moved to America,” Osmond said. “Even when he comes and watches he picks up on areas to improve.”

Osmond stays fit for the soccer season by cycling, playing tennis and playing soccer. She said her favorite part of playing is when a great team goal is scored.

“Personally, I would like to get to the conference final and championship rounds,” she said. “I would like to play a big part in assisting and scoring as many goals as I can.”

Rayburn, who will be a senior next year at UNA, is the setter on the volleyball team. She began playing in the seventh grade.

“My favorite part of playing is that moment when you win a match and you know that all the hard practices and training that you have been through were all worth it,” Rayburn said.

During the spring off-season, the volleyball team prepares together through conditioning and practices. During the summer, however, the players prepare on their own, using a workout plan given to them by the coaches. The workout is a combination of conditioning, weight lifting and playing volleyball.

“My most memorable game was the first match my freshman year,” Rayburn said. “I was so nervous to be starting in a college match, but my teammates and coaches were very supportive and kept encouraging me. I’ll never forget the moment I stepped on the floor for the first time as a UNA Lion.”

Claiborne, who will be a senior next year at UNA, plays small forward on the basketball team. His averages 14 points per game, 6 rebounds per game and 2 assists per game.

He began playing basketball when he was four years old.

“The thing that made me start playing was watching the NBA players on tv,” he said. “I thought it would be a fun thing to do so that’s what kept me playing.”

Claiborne said his personal goals for next season include improving his shooting percentage, helping his teammates and making more of an impact on the court.

He said he is most inspired by teaching younger family members how to play.“(My nieces and nephews) always seem like they love to come watch me play, and they enjoy learning basketball from me,” he said. “They also look up to me, and I know I can’t ever let them down.”

He said his favorite part of basketball is simply enjoying going out on the court and competing every night.

“It has to be one of the best feelings in the world to do something you love to do,” he said.