By: Londin Cooper
To some people, sports just mean more to them. A team sport can’t be won by a certain individual’s skills, but by team work from everyone on the floor. Taylor Heer is the embodiment of an individual who understands what it takes to succeed. A skill that everyone should have, but most people fall short.
The Hamilton Girls Volleyball team just wrapped up a very successful winning season. It’s very easy to look and find the most statistically successful person on the team this year, but actually going to the matches and looking at what is actually going on and how people react in certain situations. Taylor Heer stands out as someone who always wants what’s best for the team even if it means that she might not have what’s best for her. After talking to one of her teammates, Brooklin Cooper pointed out that “Taylor Heer is a very selfless person and always tries her best to help other people.”
Being the best teammate is a goal that everyone should strive for, nobody likes playing with people who just want to bring them down. Again, according to Brooklin Cooper “As a teammate, Taylor is very encouraging and always pushes you to be your best.” Which is something you should want to be said about you when asked what type of teammate you are. With Volleyball being a team sport it takes a group of individuals with a keen perspicacious understanding of the game to win matches.
Taylor Heer is the embodiment of an individual who can learn quickly and put the newly learned skills to use right away. After sitting down and talking to one of her teammates, Brooklin Cooper also pointed out that “Taylor learns quickly compared to some of the other girls, and she sets a good example for us all.” The ability to learn quickly can set you apart from everyone else on your team and allow you to be there if they have any questions on what they are doing.
There were 6 seniors who played a big role in the successes of the volleyball program this year. Allowing the younger girls to follow and learn from the veterans, after talking to Taylor Heer about the things they did right, she said “Being leaders and keeping us focused.” was what they were the best at. Hopefully this can help Taylor grow into a leader figure for the coming volleyball season due to the fact that they will have a lot of seniors and juniors next year and someone needs to step up and take the lead of the team.
With Volleyball being such a long season, starting over the summer and finishing up early November. Challenges can arise and the way you get through it can determine what kind of team you are. Taylor Heer pointed out that “Staying positive and focused all season” was one of the challenges the team faced this year. Her character and attitude played a big role in keeping the team’s energy high with encouragement and pushing her teammates to be her best.
In regards to playing time and things unrelated to being a good teammate, it seems like she had a rough time finding her place on the court due to a highly talented group of girls playing her position. When talking to Brooklin Cooper, it was brought to my attention that “This season may not have always gone the way she wanted, but she always showed up to practice with a smile on her face and ready to play.” Which just shows the type of person she is, whether she is playing or not she always shows up with a positive attitude ready to play.