Volleyball is a game of excellence and teamwork. For some people it is a game just for fun, but for others it is a passion. For Antioch junior Amanda Rowe, volleyball has been a passion of hers since she was young. Rowe has been playing volleyball since she was in middle school and has been playing on feeder (travel) teams ever since. Now that she is on the girls Varsity volleyball team, Rowe is thankful for starting volleyball so young.

“Playing volleyball since I was younger has only made it easier on me now,” Rowe said. “I’ve gotten so much experience that it helps me more in game situations.”

Game time situations are a big part in volleyball. Even one point can totally change the outcome of a game, making the games very intense. One of Rowe’s favorite parts about volleyball is the intensity of the game.

“I love that volleyball is always interesting,” Rowe said. “Anything can happen at any given moment.”

Opportunities are important for anything in life. When someone is given an opportunity they try their best to make the most of it and sometimes they do. This is exactly what happened with Rowe. Rowe was a starter on the JV team at the beginning of the season but got an opportunity to play on Varsity and made the most of it. Now, Rowe plays with the Varsity team after making the most of her opportunity.

“I was really nervous at first,” Rowe said. “But I just went out there and tried my hardest.”

Rowe plays as an outside hitter for the girls volleyball team. An outside hitter is the player who hits and blocks from the front left side of the court. Outside hitter is a position where you need to play smart and read when the ball is tipped or is rolled.

“Outside hitter is a tough position,” Rowe said. “It takes a lot of practice and experience to get good at it.”

Playing volleyball in college is a goal and dream of Rowe ever since she started playing. She hopes to continue her volleyball career in the future, but is not looking past this season. The lady Sequoits are hoping to improve their high intensity play as they get closer to the end of the season.

“Our ultimate team goal is to win a regional championship,” Rowe said. “We have the talent to do so.”