This year, there are three seniors on the varsity volleyball team – Sami Chesley, Sidda Hagedorn and Kaylee Weigel.
This Tuesday evening, the varsity team played against Fremont, winning all three sets. These girls were also honored with their parents at “Senior night” before the game.
Chesley has been playing volleyball her whole life and has committed to Peru State College to further her volleyball career.
“This season, the three of us had a specific role in being leaders to the underclassman, such as teaching communication or determination,” Chesley said. “This year, stepping in as the varsity setter, I wanted to learn how to lead the other girls and bring everyone together.”
Chesley believes that playing volleyball her whole life has also helped her academically. Using the “next point mentality,” she has learned how to keep a positive mindset on and off the court.
“Volleyball was a great start to my high school experience because I found friends that I know will stay with me my whole life, and I wouldn’t have had that without playing,” Chesley said. “It has been really fun seeing everyone grow throughout the past couple years, and it makes me happy to see their progress.”
Hagedorn is looking forward to continuing her volleyball career as she has committed to playing at Morningside University.
“Volleyball has greatly impacted my life, allowing me to work on my skills for club and college volleyball,” Hagedorn said. “It has also allowed me to make new friends along the way.”
Hagedorn always enjoyed her time with the team, whether during games or practices, or even bus rides to and from games.
“Our main goal for the whole team was to make state this year,” Hagedorn said. “A personal goal of mine for this season was to be a good teammate and leader.”
As a senior, Weigel strode to be a leader to the other girls by showing them how hard work and integrity pays off. Volleyball has impacted her life greatly, displaying many life lessons along the way.
“Volleyball has taught me that not all things can go your way and that is how life works,” Weigel said. “But how you respond to those moments is what truly makes you great.”
Weigel has always had a love for volleyball and has been playing since fourth grade. She recently committed to playing at York University.
“As the season is coming to an end, I am looking forward to finally showing that I made it through all the ups and downs that I have had throughout the years,” Weigel said. “My goal in general was to get better as a player and work towards my full potential.”
These girls have enjoyed the past 4 years playing together and believe it has truly been a memorable experience that they will always cherish.
