Former Sailors’ standout nearing collegiate close

Next Level Liz LordLord, who graduated from Newport Harbor in 2002, is about to conclude her volleyball career at the University of Portland.For Liz Lord, the end is coming. The end, that is, of her college volleyball career at the University of Portland.

It has been a career of changes, moving from sunny Southern California to damp Oregon, and from middle blocker to outside hitter. Through it all that, the former Newport Harbor High standout has enjoyed the experience.

The first big change was in locale. She contemplated going to school on the East Coast, but decided on the Rose City.

“I like the city of Portland. It’s not too large. It has a smaller city feel to it,” Lord said.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, Lord had to give up the sunny weather of Newport Beach. Still, she said there are benefits to Oregon’s weather.

“I actually saw seasons for the first time,” Lord said. “The trees here actually change colors. It’s not quite like the palm trees back home.”

She also preferred the smaller school atmosphere the University of Portland provided.

“I like UP, because it is a smaller school [2,900 students],” Lord said. “I have a friend that goes to the University of Washington. She told me about having a class of 500. My largest class has 32 students.”

The other major change came on the volleyball court, where she moved from middle blocker -- her position at Newport Harbor and in her freshman year at Portland -- to rightside hitter.

“It’s probably the best decision in my life,” Lord said. “My bio says I am 6-foot, but I’m really closer to 5-10. I was having all kinds of trouble going against 6-3 middle blockers. As a hitter, I get to use my speed more effectively.”

Portland Coach Doug Sparks calls her “the fastest player on the team.” He said he enjoys coaching the versatile rightside hitter.

“She is very receptive to direction, and easy to coach,” Sparks said. “She is a leader off the court. Liz is great about helping bring the younger players along.”

As a junior, Lord led the Pilots with 24 service aces. She was third in kills with 2.1 per game. She also was fourth on the team in points scored with 247.5.

This season, Lord’s numbers have dropped. Through Portland’s first 20 matches, she had just 10 service aces and 57 kills.

Regardless, she is on pace to graduate this spring with a degree in organizational communications with an emphasis on business and public relations. And her parents have been able to watch her play when the Pilots travel to Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine and the University of San Diego for West Coast Conference matches.

Much of the credit, Lord said, goes to her previous coaches. Craig Pazanti, her coach with the Golden West Volleyball Club program, helped point her toward Portland.

“He [Pazanti] was an awesome guy. He knew how to promote his players, and make sure we were noticed by college coaches,” Lord said. “Also, Craig knew Coach Sparks.”

Lord said she was most challenged by Sailors Coach Dan Glenn.

“Danny was an amazing coach,” Lord said. “He is probably the hardest coach I’ve ever had.

“After playing for Coach Glenn, I was prepared for anything. He instills things in you, punctuality, how to be competitive, and pride in your performance.”

Lord is graduating with a degree in organizational communication.

20051107ipk3apknCOURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND(LA)Former Newport Harbor star Liz Lord (9) is a presence at the net for Portland.