Many athletes think leaders encourage their teams only by yelling or motivating through uplifting words. However, senior Allison Neufeld prefers to lead on the varsity volleyball team by example. Her skill and optimism inspire teammates to help boost their confidence.

“I love volleyball because it’s a team sport,” Neufeld said. “And you get to pound the ball in other people’s faces.”

Neufeld’s love for the sport and support from her parents influenced her to try out for the volleyball team in elementary school.

“I started playing in the sixth grade because my dad used to play in high school,” Neufeld said. “I also used to watch high school games when I was younger and I really liked watching them hit the ball hard.”

Neufeld worked for a spot on the team as a new student from Computech freshman year.

“I was nervous coming here at first,” Neufeld said. “It helped to play volleyball because that helped me to quickly make new friends.”

In her second year on varsity, Neufeld’s adjustable strengths, such as her primary positions in the front row include outside hitter and middle blocker.

“I like to play outside hitter because they are usually the best hitter,” Neufeld said. “It’s really fun to hit the ball hard and see the other teams’ faces.”

Although Neufeld prefers outside, head coach Shailey Jones likes her as a middle blocker.

“Allison really is a great blocker,” Jones said. Assistant coach Jessica Schlink and I toyed with the idea of putting her as middle blocker, but she is a great outside hitter. She is a great person for both positions.”

With only eight on the varsity team, the ability to adapt to different positions is crucial, but speed and consistency also make Neufeld a better player.

“As a defensive player she reacts faster than anyone on the team,” Jones said. “In clutch moments she comes out as a competitor, especially in defense.”

While skills and consistency are important, teammate Sam Kaiser, ’10, values Neufeld’s personality and dedication to the team.

“She has many skills but her best is being a good teammate,” Kaiser said. “She is always encouraging and helping others. She is always there when you need something and is always helping us become better players.”

On the sideline, Jones sees Neufeld as a strong mental motivator because of her self-control.

“From what I see,” Jones said, “Allison keeps the intensity and ferocity while maintaining a light demeanor. She has improved in her consistency of play and I can always count on her. Allison plays with heart and leaves it all on the court.”

Neufeld values the friendships and long-term memories created with her teammates throughout the seasons.

“My favorite thing about volleyball is the teammates,” Neufeld said. “It’s amazing because we are already so close. We are a team on and off the court.”

Along with her encouragement, she provides spunk and creativity among the team. Despite an already strong bond, players sought to grow closer on the annual beach trip, Sept. 19.

“The beach trip this year was a lot better than last year’s,” Neufeld said. “Being a senior, I knew it was my last year and I wanted to make it the best. Also I’m closer with the girls this year. It was really funny when we were teaching the coaches how to do the Soulja Boy dance.”

Peanut butter and honey Uncrustables, along with Nature Valley Sweet and Salty peanut butter granola bars provide the perfect pre-game snack for Neufeld. As a senior on the team, she finds new ways to pump up the pre-game warm-ups.

Neufeld plans to attend The Master’s College next fall to study for an elementary or history teaching degree.

“Master’s is the only place I want to go,” Neufeld said. “I hope to be able to play there because I have been to some of their games and practices and it looked like a lot of fun.”

Outside of school and volleyball practice, Neufeld likes to hang out with friends, watch action movies (her favorite is Transformers), go to Jamba Juice and visit the Hawaiian Islands.

At home, Allison and brother Ryan Neufeld, ’12, spend their time wrestling and picking on each other. Despite conflict, both siblings remain protective and watch out for one another.

“We always argue about the dumbest things, and then our dad gets mad,” Ryan said. “But no matter what, I’m always going to be there supporting Allison. Not just because she’s my ride to and from school.”

The next volleyball match will be Oct. 7 at Riverdale. For more information on volleyball, Volleyball sports shorts or e-mail Shailey Jones.