Dixon excited to join University of Florida volleyball

By Andy Brown
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Updated: January 12, 2023

Louisburg alum Anna Dixon announced her decision to transfer to the University of Florida on Dec. 23 after spending the last three years at the University of Missouri.

For the last three years, Anna Dixon loved her time competing at the University of Missouri and in the SEC.

With one more year of eligibility remaining, Dixon will still be playing in the SEC, but will wear a different uniform.

Last month, the Louisburg High alum made the decision to move on from Missouri and committed to the University of Florida program as a graduate transfer.

“For me, the most difficult decision was whether or not I should go far from home or not,” Dixon said. “Being so close to my family, it’s hard for me to get away, but I knew for my last year it’s time for me to get out and go somewhere I can push myself to grow the most. Being 17 hours from home and being in one of the most competitive environments, I knew Florida would be perfect for me since it’s going to push me to grow as a person and player.”

Dixon had a big senior season for Missouri as she appeared in all 28 matches for the Tigers and recorded double figure kills in 23 of those matches.

She finished the season second on the team with 353 kills, kills per set (3.30), points (381.5) and points per set (3.57). Dixon also hit a milestone this past season as she recorded her 1,000th career kill on Oct. 28 against Georgia.

Despite all those accomplishments, Dixon knows there is another level she can take her game and believes the Gator program can do that under head coach Mary Wise.

“I cannot wait to stay competing in the SEC,” Dixon said. “Not only is it extremely competitive, but you get to travel to see amazing campuses. Playing against Florida the last three years, they’ve really been able to see my strengths and weaknesses across the net. They see me best training right side this upcoming year to use me as a blocking threat in season. I’m so excited for this transition and how much it’s going to develop me as a player.”

As excited as Dixon is for the next chapter in her life, she is more than appreciative of what Missouri gave her for three years. It was all recognized on Senior Night on Nov. 20 when Anna got to walk on to the Hernes Center floor with her family for the final time.

***Anna Dixon celebrated Senior Night on Nov. 23 with her family in her final home game with the University of Missouri. / Photo by: Jaydyn Isiminger***

“Missouri gave me so much over the last three years,” Dixon said. “I got to create some amazing memories with my friends and teammates and got to connect with many people within other sports. I was blessed with a really great community of friends in Columbia which made my decision to leave really difficult. I just knew my time there with volleyball was over, but I can’t wait to cheer them and the new head coach on from afar.”

As for what the future holds for Dixon after Florida, that remains to be seen. She is just ready to enjoy the ride that is left.

“For my last year, I’m really wanting to focus on remaining in the present moment and emptying the tank,” Dixon said. “I’d love the opportunity to go pro after my final year at Florida, but I’m just going to focus on taking things day by day and doing what I need to do to change my game tremendously. After that, I’ll see where life takes me, but I’m super excited for this opportunity to really compete my last year and train under coach Wise.”