After a disappointing season last year, the Ole Miss women’s volleyball team is off to a good start, posting a 10-3 record heading into the Southeastern Conference opener against Arkansas on Friday night. The early success is a result of seven new players on the Rebels’ roster this season, and none have arguably been more productive than junior college transfer Marie-Pierre Bakima.
Bakima, who is known to her teammates as “Mapie,” is a native of Paris. The starting outside hitter began her career in France before coming over to the United States.
“I saw volleyball when I was 10 and started playing, then I was playing for the junior national team,” Bakima said.
Two years ago, Bakima began putting out applications to U.S. schools; she ended up at San Jancinto Junior College in Houston.
After one season in junior college, during which Bakima earned 2012 NJCAA Regional XIV Player of the Year, 2012 NJCAA First Team All-American and amongst other accolades 2012 Region XIV Most Valuable Player, Bakima began looking for a Division 1 school.
“My coach at San Jancinto knew (Ole Miss head) coach Joe (Getzin), and she sent my tape to him here,” Bakima said.
Needless to say, the Ole Miss staff liked what they saw.
“She’s already worked her way into the starting rotation and brings a certain maturity to the team,” Getzin said.
The biggest concern Getzin has this year is the maturity level of his young squad, and he even attributes it with all three of the Rebels’ losses this season. However, Bakima brings not only talent but experience to Ole Miss’ front line, as she is third in kills, third in digs and sixth in assists for the Lady Rebels.
“I just try and do a little bit of everything,” Bakima said.
Of course playing her first 18 years in Europe definitely gives the 5-foot-10 junior some advantages.
“She has a different style of attacking that the Europeans are better at, and I think it has already proven very successful,” Getzin said.
With the extra advantages also comes a steep learning curve for Bakima.
“It is so different, even the ball is different,” Bakima said.
For now, Bakima is just worried about continuing the Rebels’ success as they get into the SEC schedule.
“I’m really excited; I think we’re going to be a big team,” Bakima said. “We are just going to fight hard, and we are ready for the season.”
