The senior volleyball players inspire and set examples for the underclassmen each and every day. For Ella Cox (12), Lyla Bottom (12), Ellie Mohr (12), Kate Venneman (12), and Sydney Schomaker (12), volleyball is more than just a game. 

They have gone through so much to get to where they are today and have built relationships with their teammates that will last a lifetime. 

Throughout their years of playing volleyball, the seniors have learned many lessons that will be useful in their lives. Whether it is resilience, synergizing skills, or leadership attributes, they have learned so much that will translate to life after volleyball.

“The most important thing volleyball has taught me that I will use in my future is trust,” Sydney Schomaker (12) said, “Without having trust for your teammates you can’t win, and I think being able to trust people is a key part of life.”

Additionally, they learned that believing in themselves and having determination is very important.

“Mistakes are part of it,” Ellie Mohr (12) said, “Life goes on, but just learn from your mistakes.”

In sports, players learn that a coach’s role is to provide feedback.

“Don’t take criticism as hurtful because it is trying to make you better,” Lyla Bottom (12) said.

Many of them have struggled with taking criticism from their coach.

“My biggest challenge was getting used to correction and being told what I need to fix,” Mohr said, “It was also hard learning how to adjust to become a better player.”

Luckily, they have had resilience through it all. They found different solutions for each problem that they had been faced with. Many overcame their injuries by going through physical therapy.

“I feel like as a team, I leaned on my teammates to help me be successful and get us to where we are right now,” Ella Cox (12) said.

If the seniors could turn back time, there are many things that they wish that they could tell their younger selves. Many of them said to have fun and enjoy your high school time.

“Don’t take high school for granted. It goes by really fast, so have fun while doing it,” Bottom said.

Lessons that they have learned are important to share with underclassmen in the program.

“Don’t wish it away because once you’re all grown up, it’s over,” Cox said, “Have fun when you’re doing it because you don’t know when [it’ll be] the last time you are going to step out onto the floor.”

The seniors have shown incredible leadership skills and have shown what real leaders look like. They hope to leave behind a legacy of being great role models, showing the skills of development, and being a positive teammate. 

“I came in my freshman year with a lot of great role models who set a lot of records,” Cox said, “I hope to leave a lot of great inspirations for the underclassman.”

For most of the seniors, they describe their experience as rewarding and fulfilling. 

 “I would say [it’s] energetic.  We always have energy, especially this season because we have gotten really close,” Bottom said.

The players have enjoyed every part of their volleyball journey. Venneman described her experience as amazing. 

“The Highlands volleyball program has taught me better leadership and advocacy skills,” Venneman (12) said, “as well as brought me friendships that will last a lifetime and I couldn’t be more thankful!”

Highlands Volleyball Head Coach, Jim Delong, reflected on how each senior took on a different role to help lead their team to success.

“Whether it was through how hard they played, how much they motivated their teammates, or how much energy they brought to practice and games,” said Delong. “I could not be more proud of what these five brought to our team in 2024.