For The Tribune
When she was a student at Sauers St. John’s Lutheran School, Cassidy Sawyer said one of her best friends was Laura Pence.
Her mother, Peggy Pence, was fifth-grade volleyball coach at Sauers at the time.
That connection jump-started Sawyer’s volleyball career.
Sawyer played for four years at Sauers and recently completed her fourth year of playing at Brownstown Central High School.
Sawyer said there isn’t any place she would rather be after school during the fall than in the BCHS gymnasium preparing for her next match.
“It’s a lot of fun working with the other girls, and meeting new girls,” she said.
Sawyer was a back row specialist for the Braves. Sometimes, Sawyer played all three rotations, although she said she preferred the right side.
“I like to get some tips,” Sawyer said. “I like to pass. You have to aim your platform (hands together) toward the setter. It takes a lot of communication, team bonding, encouraging and things like that.
“Getting a good dig is a thrill, knowing that you helped the team get a good attack.”
Sawyer said you never want to let the opponent get on a roll and try to keep momentum on your side, and she likes the fast pace of volleyball with the rally scoring.
“Momentum is very important. It helps win matches,” she said. “Communication is also important. You really can’t win without communication. You have to know where you are going to go with the ball, and who is going to get the ball through the whole game.”
The senior helped Brownstown win the Mid-Southern Conference title her junior year.
In games, Sawyer said you have to work hard and keep your concentration and focus on every point, especially against the good teams on the schedule.
“We needed to focus on how the other team works the ball,” she said. “We practiced hard, talked at practice and worked the ball, and did some team bonding things.”
Sawyer, who played basketball for one year and is a manager of the baseball team, said she believes it’s imperative to have a good attitude for any sport you play.
“You have to have your head in the game to do well, and you have to try hard,” she said.
In practices, Sawyer enjoyed serving and worked hard on her serving in practice, as she wanted to be one of the top servers on the team.
“I like serving,” Sawyer said. “I can usually score a lot of points when I get my serves in.”
Sawyer said she enjoyed playing club ball with a team from Hope and added that she found that to be an interesting experience playing with girls from other high schools.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Parents: Mark and Holly Sawyer
Sibling: Chase
Sports: Volleyball, four years; basketball, one year; baseball manager, three years
Athletics awards: Volleyball Mid-Southern Conference champions 2014
Organizations: National Honor Society, Booster Club, Letterman Club, Sauers Youth Group
Plans after high school: Attend college
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite TV show: “Say Yes To The Dress”
Favorite musician: Kenny Chesney
Favorite movie: “The Notebook”
Favorite team: Indianapolis Colts
[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Q&A” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Q: Why is it important to win the first set?
A: “Winning the first game is important because you want to get the momentum.”
Q: What gets you pumped up?
A: “I love all the fans and the atmosphere here. Brownstown has a really great crowd. I like playing at Seymour and the rivalry.”
Q: Have you enjoyed your time at Brownstown Central?
A: “Its been so much fun. I like the small community and the school is nice and friendly. It’s a good atmosphere. The bus trips are a lot of fun.”
[sc:pullout-text-end]