The North Butler volleyball team recognized six seniors before a senior night match against Rockford on Thursday night. This year’s seniors include Amelia Thompson, Alexis Rose, Kylie Knoll, Colby Wix, Emma Ulrich and Eliska Sirotiak. Wix, Ulrich and Sirotiak have been sidelined due to injury.
Head Coach Sarah Goodrich highlights how this year’s group of seniors leads on and off the court.
“We’re lucky to have six incredible seniors that have done so much for this program, not only this year, but the last four years. They just do a lot for our team, not only on the court leading every single day, but also behind the scenes as well,” says Goodrich. “We have unfortunately three seniors that have sustained injuries and are unable to play this year. They’re just as important to this team. They do a lot behind the scenes, equipment, stats and seeing the court from the sidelines. We’re really lucky to have them. The energy that they bring and the discipline that they push with the younger girls is just huge for our team.”
Senior Amelia Thompson shares what it is like being a team captain and where the team can improve.
“Sometimes it’s hard, obviously, but being captain just makes me proud. Everybody voted for me for a reason, they know I’m a leader and I can show up in certain ways,” says Thompson. “Probably aggression. I think we can be a little more aggressive at the net. Overall communication, sometimes balls are just kind of tight and we don’t know who’s going to get it.”
Seniors Alexis Rose and Kylie Knoll on the opportunity to be mentors and goal for the remainder of the season.
“I kind of like the pressure of knowing that I get to lead a team. Playing so many sports I know that I have lot of opportunities to do so. It’s just fun,” says Rose. “Yeah, I enjoy it. As a freshman you always look up to the seniors. It’s nice to be the person they can look up to. Then you can be the one to help them like they had helped you,” says Knoll. “I think one of my main goals is to just have fun and make it as far as we can,” says Rose. “I think if we just keep playing together we’ll make it farther than we think. As long as we all work together we’ll be fine,” says Knoll.
Middle Hitter Addison Ulrich is the Bearcats top attacker with 1.6 kills per set. Setter Zoey Thompson keeps the offense in rhythm with 3.7 assists per game. Defensive specialist Grace Pittenger has kept scoring chances alive with a team leading 2.6 digs per set.
North Butler (9-13, 3-4 TIC-East) will travel to West Fork in conference play on Tuesday.
