In any sport, players strive to improve and evolve their talent from year to year. This is especially true for junior Makenna Sadler, a big player for the girls varsity volleyball team.
Sadler’s consistency does not come easy, as she is always adjusting to her alternating club and school teammates.
“The biggest challenge every season is getting used to the setter, I play club volleyball and I’ve had the same setter for about two years now,” Sadler said, “the most important bond on the court is between the hitters and the setter.”
Sadler not only contributes skill to the team, but also keeps the atmosphere relaxed with her own flare of personality.
“I love making people laugh. If someone’s down or they make a little mistake you just have to bring them up and make them smile so they can get their head back in the game,” Sadler said.
Sophomore Emily McCann, Sadler’s teammate, added that Makenna’s skill and attitude are integral to the team.
“She always keeps everyone’s head up even when things aren’t going well,” McCann said, “she is a great player. She is a good all around, amazing middle and blocker and has a great serve.”
Coach Tom Schaefer agrees that Sadler is a unique personality on the team.
“She definitely brings her energetic personality to the team and keeps things light while remaining focused,” Schaeffer said.
As for her hopes for next year, Sadler hopes to even further improve, and play yet another season with a close-knit team.
“Next year, I simply want to have a great group of girls that work well on the court together,” Sadler said.
In any sport, stress can be high leading to a constant stream of challenges. However, these challenges were ones Sadler overcame to score the game winning point against Parkway North in the district play-offs.
“My biggest accomplishment was getting the game winning point against Parkway North in the district play-offs,” Sadler said, “I played a great game. I’ve never been so proud to be a Colt.”