A volleyball scholarship was the primary reason Debra Waite left her native island of Jamaica. The opportunity to attend college and play volleyball at Mercy College was the chance of a lifetime.
In her four-year career, she took full advantage of her dream, finishing her career as the Flyers’ career leader in kills with 1,654, total attacks with 3,835, and blocks with 786. Moreover, she ranks second all-time with 1,525 digs, and tenth all-time in service aces with 162 aces. She remains the only player in program history with more than 1,500 kills, 1,500 digs and 750 blocks. A versatile player, she consistently produced on the floor. In fact, historically, three of the top five single-season block totals belong to her, as well as three of the top eleven single-season kill totals, and two of the top nine single season dig totals.
She began her career as an outside hitter, and developed her skills to become a very good middle blocker. Her freshman year, the Rookie of the Year nominee led the team in kills with 413 and was second in solo blocks with 189.
Her consistent, all-around play was recognized by her teammates, who voted her as both the Best Offensive and Best Defensive Player for the 1993 season.
The NYCAC recognized her with First-Team all-conference laurels all four years, and she received numerous First-Team honors and MVP awards at various tournaments.
Yet, Waite kept athletics in balance. Twice she was named the NYCAC Scholar Athlete of the Year, en route to graduating Summa Cum Laude in May of 1996 with a double major Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Business Administration, Specialization Management. She was a constant presence on Mercy College’s Dean’s List throughout her academic career.
She currently resides in Dutchess County, N.Y., with her husband and four children. She works in the Communications Department for Consumer Reports in Yonkers, N.Y. and is pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
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