PHOENIXVILLE, PA – As we continue to look back at the past decade, the University of Valley Forge is privileged to have had so many outstanding young men and women participate in collegiate athletics. Every year, the athletic department awards one male and one female student-athlete with the prestigious Obie L. Harrup Award. The recipient is one who has excelled in the following five areas: Skill, Teamwork, Leadership, Christian-Character, and Servanthood. In 2009, the award was given to four-year volleyball player, Tiffany (Hulett) Lanzone ('09).
In 2007, Lanzone had the greatest single-season as a setter in school history. She accumulated an astounding 674 assists for the entire year. For her career, she ranks 2
nd in all-time assists with 1,295! In 2009, she was named to the 2
nd Team All-East Region. Accolades aside, not everything in life was as easy as it appeared to be on the court.
After receiving a letter in high school from President Meyer, and visiting the campus and talking with Coach
Ronshea Vargas about playing basketball and volleyball, her mind was made up! Lanzone would make the trek all the way from Florida and become a third-generation Patriot. Not only did her parents graduate from UVF, but so did her grandparents.
The impact playing volleyball had on her life became apparent very quickly. "
After my freshman year of college I almost transferred to a school in Florida because of the distance, but volleyball was one of the big reasons why I stayed at UVF," Lanzone said. "
It was a huge part of my life. Some of my closest friends are from volleyball and I absolutely loved everything about playing at UVF. I always had better grades, was more in shape, and just enjoyed my time so much more when I was in season. Playing at UVF taught me so much about working with others and hard work!"
More specifically, there were two people that had a major influence in her life. "
Jen Mack was such an amazing volleyball coach, mentor, and friend. She was always positive, never quick to anger, and always encouraged the team. She showed all of us what it meant to be a Christian Athlete. I am so blessed and honored to call her my friend!" The second was a teammate, Megan Case (Foster) ('07), who was one of her closest friends at UVF and helped Tiffany get through some difficult times in her life. One of those times was during her sophomore year. "
My dad lost his job in Florida and my family moved to New York. It was a really difficult time for my entire family. After a few months in his new job, he got laid-off and it became difficult again. Athletics and close friends really helped me get through that time."
Some of those times helped teach her a few valuable lessons. Citing Hebrews 6:19 as a reference, Lanzone said, "
Life doesn't always go as you plan, but God's plan is so much better than ours. I've learned it's important to establish anchors in my life. Our lives can change, but there are certain things that shouldn't change. Life brings hardship and touches all of us differently, but it's in those moments that we need our anchors to stay firm."
Soon after graduation, Tiffany was married to Dave Lanzone ('08). More recently, the couple has had two children, Landon (3) and Madelyn (1). In February of 2011, Dave and Tiffany were part of a church plant, Bridge Community Church in Downingtown, where they continue to serve together as Creative Arts Pastors. The church has seen promising growth throughout the years. "
God is doing GREAT things and we are so excited to see people's lives changed in the city of Downingtown," Lanzone said. She also gets to put her passion for music to use as the couple leads worship together.
When asked what advice she would give to any current or future student-athletes, Tiffany said, "
Work hard and enjoy every moment because it goes so fast. Get involved in a local church and serve! What you do and learn in your 4 years of college will help equip you for the future."
10 for 10: Jon Kozak
10 for 10: Shane McLanahan
10 for 10: Delena Willman
10 for 10: Jon Rounsaville
