Cheers are heard in the background as the Highlanders warm up for the game they know and love. They prepare themselves to put all their energy into the upcoming game, ready to leave it all on the court. The Highlanders volleyball team has secured themselves a position at 3rd in the KingCo Mountain League. After dedicating hours and passion to their skills, they have refined themselves from last year and made humongous strides toward being the best team possible. “The people of the Hazen volleyball program [are] very special and it’s a really good community to be a part of,” said Sienna German, one of the varsity players here at Hazen.
Scores (Varsity):
Renton, Win, 3-0
Edmonds-Woodway, Loss, 3-0
Inglemoor, Loss, 3-1
Interlake, Win, 3-0
Lindbergh, Win, 3-0
Juanita, Loss, 3-0
Jaesi Hayes is one of the seniors on Hazen’s varsity team. She’s been playing for seven years and started when she was in 6th grade. Jaesi found herself at summer camp enjoying the sport and decided to try out for her middle school team. So far the season has been going great for her. She loves the community that Hazen has to offer and enjoys the memories she’ll get to have forever with her team. She continues to play for the competitiveness of the sport, along with the personal challenge it presents her. Jaesi does not plan to continue to follow this sport into college; instead, she wants to focus on becoming a pilot. But she still would like to play for fun occasionally, as her love for the sport runs deep.
Sienna German (12) is known as one of Hazen’s varsity powerhouse athletes, as she’s been recognized not only by her coaches but also by local newspapers. This senior has been ready to shine on the court ever since she was young. At the age of 10, she started playing volleyball as a way to keep active and find a source of fun. All of her effort playing for her middle school team has led her here. So far the season has been great for Sienna, she loves the program and finds that being around her teammates and playing is the highlight of her year. Volleyball is something that challenges her, and that’s part of the reason she adores the sport so much. She continues to play because of the competitiveness of the sport, along with the love for her team and the want to be a part of the sports culture in school. She motivates herself through her constant work ethic to be a well-rounded athlete. Sadly for Sienna, there is a chance her volleyball career ends here at Hazen. She aspires to be a lawyer and dual major in college, so she has decided that unless she is to get a full ride somewhere she will give up the sport.
Erika Mills (11) has found herself repping the varsity jersey this year. Starting in 6th grade, her skill for volleyball has only grown. She first played for Kraken Volleyball Club, before moving to play with NPJ. So far the season for her has been great. She’s found that Hazen’s team connects well on the court and that she has a strong love for all of her teammates. Erika holds a lot of knowledge on the game and continues the sport because of her competitiveness. She loves the pre-tournament huddles and holds some of her fondest memories with her team. For her, volleyball is something that she looks forward to in the fall, and one of her favorite parts of the entire school year. She plans to play next year, but once she reaches college her journey will end there and Erika will only play volleyball at the recreational level.
Hazen Volleyball is continuing to grow stronger for the 2024 season. As the girls serve more accurately, spike harder, and receive passes better, they continue to grow and bond over their triumphs and losses. There is a bright future ahead for Hazen Volleyball and its future.
