Featured Athlete: Ally Huffman

Photos By Aislinn Menke

Q: How long have you been playing volleyball?

A: I started playing [recreational] volleyball when I was in third grade and I just fell in love with it. I played for years and joined club in fifth grade. I’ve been on a club team ever since.

Q: How is this team different than other East teams in the past?

A: Since all of the past seniors have graduated, it’s definitely a new team so we are having to get used to playing with each other. It’s different because we have a new setter and new hitters and everything, so we are just getting to know each other as players, kind of starting over. We are doing really well still.

Q: What role do you play on the team this year as a senior and libero*?

A: This year, I definitely am a leader on the team because I am one of the seniors so I have to set a good example for the underclassmen and especially being a libero, I have to set a good example as a passer for all of the other back row players.

*libero is a player specialized in defensive skills, they wear a different color jersey and can replace any back-row player without prior notice to officials

Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in volleyball?

A: Definitely getting third in state last year. That was an amazing experience, it was so much fun.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals?

A: I’m kind of superstitious about my routine before I serve, I always have to do the exact same routine when I go back on the line. I hit the ball three times on the ground and set it twice before I serve.

Q: What does the team need to improve on before playoffs?

A: We definitely need to improve on our consistency with serving and serve receive, but I feel like once we get those two things more consistent, we will definitely gel better and perform better. I feel like our setting and hitting connections are really good and we have strong hitters so we just have to make sure our serving and passing is consistent.

Q: Do you have any plans next year, volleyball-wise?

A:  I do not, I am undecided on my future plans.