As captain of the girls volleyball team, Syd leads by example of being dedicated both on and off the court. She is always aiming to inspire her teammates to reach their full potential and has made a lasting impact.
“I try to be as committed as I can to the team,” she said.
Syd’s journey was unexpected when the pandemic delayed her start in 8th grade, but she stuck with her goal to try out freshman year despite not having prior experience. Little did she know that it would end up becoming her favorite sport to play.
When I asked her how she balances being a student athlete with other added responsibilities, Syd said she doesn’t even know how she does it, but finds that discipline and the schedule that comes with playing a sport keeps her accountable for the things she needs to get done. While she doesn’t have a strict pre-game routine, she focuses on staying calm before matches, and always uses the bathroom.
Syd places a strong emphasis on building relationships with her teammates and how it only gets stronger as the season progresses.
“I don’t think I’d be friends with half the girls had it not been for the team,” she said.
For her, creating connections with newer players is especially important, “It’s nice for them to have a familiar face around the halls.”
Looking forward, Syd is confident that the team will make the playoffs and is determined to earn a spot on the All-City first team this year. Her best advice for younger players is to not hesitate if you’re thinking about joining a sport as a team quickly becomes a close-knit group. She believes that being part of a team creates friendships and experiences that last far beyond the season.
