School: Wright City

Grade: Junior

Favorite athlete/team: “I really like Harper Murray. With her being an outside, I can relate to that and watch the games and see how she plays. My favorite sports team is Florida (women’s volleyball). I’ve watched them play and seen them grow a lot over the years.” 

Pregame music: Country 

Favorite celebration after getting a point: “Probably the tool one. You hit your forearms together and say ‘tool.’”

When did you start playing volleyball?

“I started playing in seventh grade.”

What made you join volleyball?

“I had just switched to Wright City and my mom was talking about me joining a sport. I looked at all the options and volleyball seemed like the most fun.”

Did you play any other sports growing up?

“Basketball, softball and track.”

What made you stick with volleyball?

“I love the fast pace and how it’s always moving. You’re never just standing there.”

Do you play for a club team?

“I played for Crossfire but I just switched to G3.” 

What are the differences between playing for club versus playing with your high school team?

“I feel like it’s a whole different environment. You see these girls everyday and I feel like you’re more bonded with the high school team. For club, you’re making new friends and getting to know everybody, but for high school, we all know each other and we’re super close.”

Have you always been an outside hitter?

“No, at first I was all around and I did everything. Then, I was a setter. Then, I was an outside and a DS (defensive specialist). At one point, I was just DS and also right side, but now I’m just outside.” 

Is outside hitter your favorite position to play?

“Yes. They’re all so different in so many ways, but this one is so engaging and I love playing it.”

Was it difficult to transition to that position?

“It was difficult to switch but I had a good set of coaches that helped it become easier as the time went on.”

You’re leading the team in kills this season. What do you focus on when going for a kill?

“I focus on where those holes are, where we have been getting points and what’s going to lead us to success.” 

Describe the feeling after getting a kill.

“I feel very excited and then I feel proud because I’m able to score these points for my team and I’m thankful for my setters because they’re really the reason that you get the kill. I always make sure to point her out.” 

Do you have a teammate or coach that has been influential throughout your career?

“I have a sister on the team (Brooke Henson) and she’s been very influential. She is the person I talk to all the time and I played club with her as well, so we know how each other plays and we’re always there for each other.” 

Tell me about a memorable win. 

“Probably our win against Battle in the Warrenton tournament. We all came together as a team and we all really wanted it together. It just showed our growth overall.” 

What’s one of your favorite sports memories?

“Last year, we used to do these little dance circles and we would all go around and one person would do their dance and then we’d switch – it was really fun.” 

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

“To work as a team instead of as individuals and to make sure we’re all showing our skills, because I believe in us and I know that we can win.” 

Do you have any pregame superstitions or a pregame routine?

“We all like to pray before a game.” 

Do you want to play in college?

“Yes.”