Katherine Sperduto ’19

The co-ed volleyball team consists of many different players of many different ages. For the single freshman on the team, Olivia Baechler, it has been key for her to develop her own experiences and ways of viewing the court when the ball is in play. Thanks to practice with more experienced players, she has learned to predict where the ball will go when it’s in the air and she is able to transition from defense to offense more efficiently. Considering that Baechler is still participating in her first year playing high school volleyball, she has been very quick to pick up on many skills.

Baechler started her freshman year off making the girls’ JV volleyball team and eventually worked her way up to being a consistent starter. Her dedication and persistence was noticed by former girls’ JV volleyball coach, Bonnie Gilchrist, who then encouraged her to try out for the co-ed volleyball team. She went in with no expectations only to find herself weeks later playing with all levels of volleyball players.

“ I have realized how important it is to optimize different body types [one’s skills and what they’re best fit for] and the strengths that come with different players,” stated Baechler.

Baechler started out playing as a setter for many of her other teams, but the co-ed team already had two setters, so she was placed as a front row, outside and opposite hitter. Each position involves using many different parts of the body in many different ways. Through endurance and constant exercise Baechler has developed the strength to get a high enough vertical to be able to get a full hand above an at least 7-foot high net. She also needed to learn how to utilize the strength in her shoulders and arms to be able to swing at a fast pace.

“The seniors helped all the underclassmen by giving us an example and forcing the rest of us to play at their level,” said Baechler.

Baechler realizes that not only is it smart to take any opportunity to grow, but to also practice consistently and to also attempt to play with players who are at a higher skill level. These players will push other teammates to play at their level; therefore, helping their abilities improve.

Baechler is not focused on the future but on the present, but she does hope that her experience on co-ed will pave the way for her to be bumped up to varsity girls volleyball next season.