Lute Salute Series

TACOMA, Wash. - Savanna Service's career at Pacific Lutheran University has been largely shaped by her commitment to the Lute volleyball team. Both on and off the court, Service made many memories with her teammates she will never forget.
 
"Breakaway has always been my favorite memories at PLU," Service said. "It is the best time we get to know all the new players and build a deeper bond with returners."
 

Hometown: Federal Way, Wash.

Highlights: Two-time NWC Champion 137 Career Kills 101 Career Blocks 59-20 Record at PLU

Service enjoyed spending time with her teammates in a stress-free environment, and staying up late playing Mafia or spending time by the lake. Service is grateful for her teammates and coaches that supported her for the past four years.

"My teammates have always had my back and encouraged me to do my best. They have become some of the most reliable and trustworthy friends I have, and I am going to miss every single one of them," Service said. "The coaches have always been great with giving me feedback on ways I can improve as well as loving honesty, and I appreciate that."

On top of cherished memories, Service also believes her involvement in Lute athletics has taught her how to communicate effectively.
 
"In my future, I plan to be a part of a medical team where communication is essential," Service said. "The importance of communication on the court I feel has prepared me to be a great communicator and team member in the medical field."
 
On the court, the Federal Way, Washington native has played in 44 matches over the past four years, making 21 starts. Service appeared in 100 of the Lutes' 108 sets played in 2019 and has guided the program to a 59-20 overall record over the past four seasons, including a 38-10 record in Northwest Conference play and a 20-4 mark inside Olson Gymnasium.
 
Service helped PLU hoist NWC titles in both 2017 and 2018, making trips to the NCAA Division III Tournament both seasons. The middle blocker has racked up 137 kills during her career and 101 blocks while ranking fifth in the NWC in attack percentage (.250) in 2019. Finding success in the classroom, Service has been named NWC All-Academic in each of the past three seasons and was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma honors society last spring.
 
"Savanna plays an important role because she is one of only two seniors we have on the team that have been in the program for four years," said Head Coach Kevin Aoki. "She's a person that leads by example and also is one of the top students on our team. On the court she provides an imposing block for our opponents."
 
Off the court, Service was involved in the Love Your Melon Club, CCES, and the pre-health sciences club. She also enjoyed living in the dorms and having face mask nights with her friends.
 
Service will graduate with a degree in Biology and a minor in Sociology. She plans to take a gap year to accumulate more patient care experience and travel, and apply to PA school in the summer of 2022.