Considering the blonde hair and easy going attitude, it’s a surprise to hear that Allyson Porter comes from anywhere but California.

“Consistent, competitive, and caring,” are three words that head women’s volleyball coach Ed Gover used to describe his first team All-Western State Conference North outside hitter.

Porter played Division I volleyball at Montana State for a year before moving to Santa Barbara to bolster the already talented Vaqueros roster.

“Anyone who plays for a Division I program is going to have talent,” Gover said. “She is the most versatile player on our team.”

The Vaqueros’ 21-6 record was enough to earn them a second straight WSC North title, however, it ended with a disappointing loss at the Southern Cal Regional women’s volleyball playoffs last Saturday in Pasadena.

The defeat marks the end Porter’s first and last season playing for City College.

“I knew it was a one and done deal with her, she has the talent to play at a higher level,” Gover said.

Porter has been playing volleyball since sixth grade, she was promoted to varsity her sophomore year at Monarch high school in her hometown of Boulder, Colorado.

“It is not just physical, volleyball is a very mental sport as well,” Porter said. “What you give at practice is what you will get at games.”

Despite a lifelong desire to live in California, Porter accepted a full ride scholarship to play for the Montana State Bobcats.

“I liked the feel of it and I wanted the scholarship,” Porter said.

After one season with a struggling Bobcats squad, Montana State did not extend her scholarship because they did not have the funds for her position.

Porter played libero, the designated defensive and passing specialist who dawns a different color jersey than their teammates.

City College’s California allure and successful volleyball program made coming to Santa Barbara an easy decision after a friend on the program gave her the idea.

Porter transitioned from defensive specialist to outside hitter, a position more glorified for “creating points” as Porter puts it.

“I liked defense because you get to dive around and save balls, but scoring points is always fun,” she said.

“Her defense and passing background gives the team stability,” Gover said.

 “Offensively, she combines power down the line, off-speed balls, and a decent cross-court shot,” he said.

Porter looks to transfer to another Division I school to play but still has not made a decision on where she wants to go. She will attend a community college player’s showcase at Chaffy College.

 “Allyson’s composure and leadership gives the girls she plays with confidence,” Gover said. “In the right system, she can do very well in another Division I program.”