There are certain principles one needs when playing a sport. Motivation, confidence and positivity are key concepts that a volleyball player needs. These principles are very hard to teach but can be learned through dedicated leaders.
The Liberty High School volleyball team embodies these characteristics. Allie Kelly (She/Her), Liberty’s head volleyball coach, believes in the team’s leadership skills.
“I think that we’re really fortunate to have some really good player leaders. We have two really good captains in Asta and Lucy, they do a really good job of being that first line of communication with their peers and coaches”, stated Kelly
There are many underclassmen on the team. A good role model or leader is very important for younger girls to look up to.
“I hope that they [underclassmen] see their leaders as approachable and who understand what they’re going through”, explained Kelly, “I [also] see success in our leaders as someone who is just being competitive and bringing their best, one hundred percent, every day.”
The two team captains who bring this effort and show their leadership qualities are Lucy Massen (She/Her), 11, an outside hitter and defensive specialist (D.S.) and Asta Hildebrand (She/Her), 12, a setter and right side hitter.
Massen is one of the most looked-up to girls on the team. She handles this responsibility well, putting forth a great attitude and giving the sport her all.
“I think hard work is one of my main values as a leader. Then attitude and effort, because those are some things that you can control. I want the younger girls to look up to me and be like, oh I wanna be her, and see my positivity and confidence as a player”, Massen shared.
Being a role model means you have lots of responsibilities. One of the most important things to have in volleyball is good communication.
Massen has been seen as someone who lifts others and herself up when the practice or game is tough.
“I feel like one of the most important things I focus on is if someone is having a bad day, or they’re too much into their own head, I try to hype them up a bit. I want to make sure they’re comfortable and know that we’re all a family and we’re all here to be together”, Massen expressed
Hildebrand is another great player who is seen leading her teammates regularly. Not only does she achieve things on court but also off. Many of the girls admire how she leads the team.
“I’ve just always been encouraging and giving them confidence, but also cheering them up and giving them the support they need”, Hildebrand shared, “I hope that they [teammates] learn how to have fun from watching me and seeing that being a great player isn’t everything, but being a great teammate is more important.”
The upperclassmen of the team aren’t the only leaders on the team. Edie Miller (She/Her), 10 leads the team in games, and within practice.
Both captains Massen and Hildebrand say that Miller is a great leader for some of the girls to look up to, especially with being the libero, the leader of defensive plays.
“As a leader, I try my best to keep the team together, especially when we’re down by a few points and just remind them that we all have to do our jobs”, Miller commented. “We have good communication as a team, especially on court, like passers talking to setters, and setters talking to hitters.”
Miller also shared the impact that leaders like Massen and Hildebrand have on her. She shared how excited and passionate they are for the sport, which makes her just as happy as them when playing.
Leaders are some of the most important people on a team. Owning such principles as a player and leader can set a team apart from others. Liberty volleyball has grown tremendously over the past few years, which wouldn’t be possible without great team chemistry and a love for the sport. Having players who can take charge and persevere, like Liberty, is something that every volleyball team should have.
