2019 Hall of Fame Inductee: Cally Plummer
University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Cally Plummer (1998-2002) was a member of the Gamecocks’ volleyball team which made it to four consecutive NCAA tournaments. She is one of four Gamecocks to be named All-SEC performers four times. Playing on the right side, Plummer still leads the team in all-time career aces, as well as ranking fourth in career kills and fifth in career attacks. Plummer spoke about the transition after athletics and her appreciation of making it into the Hall of Fame.
“There’s so much gratitude and thankfulness to the University, and it came at the perfect time as I’ve had quite the journey since I have graduated. Not being an athlete, I kind of lost my way a little bit, but I’ve worked to find myself outside of the number 17 jersey. So, to have (Athletics Director) Coach (Ray) Tanner call me was just great,” Plummer said.
Plummer admits, she was tipped off about her selection for the Hall of Fame.
“A funny story. Kim Hudson (the University of South Carolina’s all-time winningest volleyball coach with 226 victories) texted me the day before and asked if I’d heard from the Coach Tanner. I said no and thought, why I would be hearing from him? But a friend of mine said, ‘It must be for the Gamecock hall of fame.’ So, the next day my phone rang, and I answered saying, ‘Coach Tanner?’ He says, ‘Yes, how did you know?’ I really knew it was him because he has just an impressionable voice. When he said that I had made the Hall of Fame, I just had this big smile on my face.
“I’m so honored. My life is great, and a reason why is the chapter I spent at South Carolina.”
Plummer appreciated those around her for their hard work during her time as a Gamecock.
“It’s just so cool. I had moments flashing up of all the hard work. The team was just the first thought,” Plummer said. “I thought of the great people I played with. It’s just a such a team reward. It’s definitely really special. It took a while for it sink in because it was such a big deal.”
“Being so fortunate to play in four NCAA tournaments is a big deal, and I’m very proud.”
– Cally Plummer
Plummer had many great memories during her four years playing volleyball.
“I remember when we first arrived sitting on the curb of where we were living right after we had got all our new equipment,” Plummer recalled. “It was like Christmas. I was sitting there next to Liz Price in our baggy sweatpants saying, ‘Wow!’ We had no idea of the adventures ahead.
“Obviously beating Clemson at home as a freshman was great. I didn’t realize how big the rivalry was. I went on a recruiting visit before to Clemson and then left right after to go to South Carolina, and I soon realized very quick that the relationship was not so cordial. I got some flak for that,” Plummer joked. “So, beating Clemson at home was such a good memory to begin. Going to the NCAA tournament was great. Just having the comradery with the girls, like when running the Williams-Brice steps at the stadium.”
Plummer found that she had special moments off the court as well.
“One of my favorite memories was the young fans,” Plummer said. “I remember one young girl; she was dressed up as me for Halloween. She had my jersey on, and at that time I was recovering from shoulder surgery, so she even had a sling on. That was neat! I love those moments. Being able to work the volleyball camps with the young kids as well.”
With recent success, Plummer has been paying attention to the Gamecocks.
“I always check in from time-to-time to see how they’ve been doing. I was thrilled when Shonda Cole Wallace was announced as an assistant,” Plummer said. “I really enjoy seeing the improvements and everything they are doing from conditioning sport-wise and person-wise. I love getting on the website and checking them out.
“Shonda Cole put out a Facebook message to all the former players about making the NCAA tournament last year with all us together. That was very exciting. I’m a proud Gamecock, and I tell people that. Being so fortunate to play in four NCAA tournaments is a big deal, and I’m very proud.”
After her playing career with the Gamecocks, Plummer switched gears to the other side of the court.
“I did some coaching at John Carroll University. It felt neat. I just felt natural,” Plummer said. “But I needed to take some time away from the game. I now manage a breakfast deli in Petoskey, Michigan. It’s a really popular tourist area. We’ve been the number one restaurant for a little bit. We do a lot of catering, but it’s a lot of hard work, which I enjoy. It’s a team atmosphere.”
Plummer will be traveling back to Columbia for the induction ceremony set for October 17.
“Speech was my favorite class in college, so I’m looking forward to doing that,” Plummer quipped. “But also, just to be there with the class that I’m being inducted with, and to have my former teammates, friends, and family there; I wouldn’t be at that ceremony without all those people around me. That’s really what I’m looking forward to most – being with the people that have made sacrifices and offered support.
“I’m thrilled to get back there and talk with the current team and just to share. When I was a player that really meant a lot to me when former athletes came to share their stories because they can relate.”
Cally Plummer as well as eight others will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 17, at Colonial Life Arena, as well as recognized at the South Carolina-Florida football game on Saturday, October 19.
To read more about the 2019 Hall of Fame class, click here.
