On a young, rebuilding Red Knight volleyball team, experience is hard to come by. But when the team is struggling on the court, they look to junior Emma Lysne, who stands apart as a leader and a three year starter. Lysne is one of two captains on the team consisting of two freshman, three sophomores, four juniors, and only two seniors.
Beginning volleyball in 5th grade, Lysne’s many experiences on the court have benefited her and her teammates. For Lysne, last year was the season she valued the most. She was very close with the seniors and gained a lot of valuable teachings and experience from them. She believes that can help her with the team tremendously this year.
Losing so many seniors from the previous year has proved to be a big obstacle for the team, but Lysne’s experience and excellent leadership skills make her the newest role model. “We’re a brand new team now, so we have to work together,” said Lysne. “I have to motivate the team more because we’re so young and inexperienced, but we’re learning and we’re doing it together. That’s one of the best parts about being a captain: everyone looks up to you and they know they can depend on you on and off the court.”
Lysne has found many ways of helping the younger players, but more so by going through. Last season, Lysne dealt with a position change, “I was a middle hitter freshman year but switched to outside hitter my sophomore year,” said Lysne. This season, Lysne is dealing with tendinitis and painful bruises. With all the adversity that she has gone through and is still going through, she believes she can take her experience and help others on her team through their own troubles.
Lysne’s continued effort on the court has paid off. She’s gaining her teammates’ trust, more experience, as well as contributing to her team’s success. As much as Lysne values bettering her team, she is just having fun playing. She not only enjoys playing with her team at BSM, but with her summer travelling team also. “This past summer was my favorite volleyball memory. Doing well at Nationals was pretty cool,” said Lysne.
Some of Lysne’s favorite moments this year come during the pregame team chantings. Other moments that Lysne views as her favorites happen during the game. “The best feeling is when you get the awesome kill and celly real hard,” said Lysne.
Lysne has been playing since 5th grade, but volleyball wasn’t always her favorite sport. She took an interest in basketball first and still plays as member of the varsity basketball team. “I’m better at volleyball and enjoy it more, but [I] still play basketball,” said Lysne.
