Joy Banks is finishing up a week in which she earned Horizon League player of the week. This honor is because of her performances in the NKU invitational where NKU played host to South Dakota, Missouri and the fourth-ranked Louisville Cardinals.

Banks appeared on the ‘Beyond The Score’ podcast to discuss the season and her upbringing in the sport. Banks said that she gets her competitive edge from her parents and her number six jersey number was inspired by her being the youngest of six siblings. Banks said that NKU was her home away from home and she committed to play here after one visit. Banks admitted she has had her struggles at times, but that it has only motivated her to get better. 

The Cleveland native dominated in these games with 17 kills against Missouri and 15 kills against South Dakota on her way to player of the week honors. “It’s definitely an honor,” Banks said. “But there is still work to be done.”

Banks entered the invitational feeling like it could be a special weekend. She was coming off of a lingering neck injury and was finally feeling like herself again. 

“My coaches and me worked really hard to get me back in my groove,” she said 

The senior is top six in the Horizon League in kills and admits that it is the part of her game that she takes the most pride in. 

“I like to think that I am a very explosive player,” said Banks. “I want to be the person my teammates want to go to.” 

Banks wants to make a concerted effort this season to help others on this very young team. “The main focus this year is just leadership,” Banks said after that, the skill will follow. This skill takes commitment on the court. “You have to flip a switch,”  said Banks.

As for the NKU invitational, Banks was honored to have the opportunity to play these power conference schools on the Norse’s home floor. 

“The recognition for NKU is just amazing,” said Banks. 

She was humbled by the player of the week honor but isn’t satisfied with it just being a one-time thing. 

“I want to continue to have this feeling,” she said. 

She will get the chance as NKU hosts another home tournament this weekend as they’ll face off with local foes Xavier and Miami (OH) starting Thursday, Sept. 19.