Before she stepped on campus at Oakland University, Lindsay Wightman knew the culture of the volleyball program was the right fit for her. What she didn’t know was she would become one of the most decorated players in the history of the program.

“I knew the girls were competitive,” Wightman said. “I feel blessed by the opportunity to play with each and every one of them.”

Wightman, an integrated studies major with a minor in business, is the third member of the Wightman family to play volleyball for the Golden Grizzlies. Her mother, Traci, played from 1988-91 and her sister, Courtney, from 2016-18.

Wightman said while the family history was a factor, the main reason she chose to play at Oakland was academics.

“I saw pictures [of my mother playing] back when they were the Pioneers at Oakland,” Wightman said. “But I did want to play with my sister in college. That was a big opportunity, and I’m glad I got to take advantage of that, but the reason I chose Oakland is because of the academics. [Another] big reason is the team culture the volleyball program has. The family legacy is kind of a bonus for everything.”

Wightman praised the team culture for its positivity and environment.

“It felt like a family,” she said. The coaches, especially Rob [Beam] cares about every single one of us for who we are as a person, not just as a volleyball player. And that stuck out to me because I feel like that’s really something that doesn’t come along very often.”

Recently, Wightman broke the school record for most career digs in a game against Central Michigan. She said it meant a lot to her.

“When I was in the locker room at Michigan State, one of my teammates told me that I broke the record during our game [against] Central Michigan,” she said. “I ended up crying, and it just meant a lot to me because I was able to share that with everyone.”

At the time of writing, the Golden Grizzlies are 3-1 in Horizon League play. Wightman said it is going to take “a team effort” to continue to be a force in the Horizon League this season.

Wightman said there wasn’t any volleyball player in particular that she models her game after, adding that she plays the game her way.

“My coaches that I had during travel volleyball really inspired me to be the best teammate I can be, work hard and give it all I got.”

After she graduates, Wightman plans on going into cosmetology school.

“I love cosmetology,” she said. “And eventually I hope to open up my own salon and be able to do that. [It’s something I’m] very passionate about. 

In regard to the team’s successful season, Wightman said “[we just have] to keep doing what we’re doing — working hard and focusing on our health and treatment and nutrition and all that stuff. If we can keep that up, I think we’ll be able to get that ring.”