Dominant at the net: Trinity senior displays hitting, blocking power

Through playing volleyball at Trinity Lutheran High School, Sarah Stuckwisch has learned it takes teamwork to be successful.

“I really like the team aspect of it,” she said. “I like to play with the team, with all the other girls, because whenever you’re down they pick you up, and you get the same opportunity to do that to other people. If they’re down, you get to pick them up and help them and encourage them.

“As a senior, I really like to take that leadership and be able to help girls that maybe aren’t as experienced just because they’re younger. Volleyball is a very mental game, so if you are mentally ready and physically ready, nothing can stop you,” she added.

In a match, Stuckwisch said it’s important to win the first set.

“You go out there and establish your dominance as the best team, and when you do that, it sets in your mind ‘only two more to go,’” she said. “Getting as many points as you can off serves is great.”

During her freshman year at Trinity, Stuckwisch was a right-side hitter on the junior varsity team.

“I dressed varsity, and Megan (Hackman) hurt her hand, and I was able to step in and play right side, which I really enjoyed,” she said. “It was probably the highlight of my freshman year.”

She has been the Cougars’ varsity middle hitter the past three years, and she has helped the team win sectional and regional titles each season.

“When you’re in the middle, you block all three front-row positions,” Stuckwisch said. “When you’re on the outside, it’s easier to hit any angle you want to hit, and it’s also kind of the go-to place. So if you can’t get it to the middle, you throw it outside, and they can put it wherever it needs to go. Mallory (Barker) is really good at that.”

Communication is a vital part of volleyball, Stuckwisch said.

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