Volleyball Senior Night is in the Books

On Thursday evening, the Heyworth Volleyball team took on the Flanagan-Cornell Falcons for the 2023 senior night, celebrating seniors Carsyn Langellier and Macie Toepke. The lady Hornets took the dub at their final home game of the season, in an exciting two-set match. Kyra Denning led the team in kills and blocks, with 7 kills and 2 blocks. Paylin Williams showed her talent at the service line leading the team with 3 aces. Macie Toepke had an outstanding defensive game with 16 digs. Ava Riddle ran the offense with 23 assists, putting her at 450 total assists this season.

This season, two seniors were recognized at the 2023 volleyball senior night. Carsyn Langellier and Macie Toepke, who have been taking the court together since 5th grade reflected on their favorite memories with the team. Carsyn cherished the atmosphere of game days and the triumphs that came with them, while Macie valued creating and strengthening friendships, along with getting conference wins, especially against LeRoy. When asked about advice they would give to younger athletes, Carsyn emphasized embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning from setbacks. Macie encouraged them to enjoy their time in high school and live every day like it's your last because time truly does go by so quickly. Both seniors expressed their love for volleyball, highlighting the energy, action, and friendships that come with this sport. Although their time on the Heyworth volleyball team is concluding, both seniors acknowledge that there is still work to be done in the upcoming weeks.

The sentiment of senior night would not have been possible without the juniors on the team. They helped prepare for senior night by “Organizing the senior’s gifts and decorating the gym with balloons and streamers” said Emily Rogers. This special night marked the end of the juniors and seniors taking the HHS gymnasium court together. The players admit that the team will be different without them next year. Ava Riddle stated “The seniors have a huge role on our team. The passing and ball control is so important to our defense and we will definitely have to step up in years to come.” On and off the court the seniors left an impact. Marissa Moore said, “They made an effort to make connections outside of the sport, and we were able to be comfortable enough to have that communication on the court.” She goes on to say, “The seniors bring an amazing energy to the court and the team, striving to make us better. They encourage everyone to be their very best and help uplift everyone no matter how the game is going.”

Mr. Robertson has been the coach of the Heyworth High School volleyball team for 5 years, 4 of which he spent with this year's seniors. His favorite memory with them is the day-to-day stuff and continuously getting better in practice. Over the course of the past 5 seasons, Coach has also seen the program evolve. He said that this season is different from previous years because “We have won more matches. It is more fun when you win. Difference-wise, we are more athletic and hit a higher percentage.” Going into HOIC week and with regionals on the horizon, Coach Robertson is feeling great. He stated that the team has “a good chance to do some really good things.”