This week’s Athletic Showcase features two members of the Saxony Lutheran volleyball team: seniors Isabel Brown and Adalina Deckerd. Both girls are strong players on a winning team that has made its mark in the region.
Isabel Brown
The daughter of Craig and team coach Stephanie Brown, Isabel has helped the Crusaders win three district championships and the Dig For Life Challenge title during her career.
Asked when she first became interested in sports, she said, “Ever since I was young, we always either had the Cardinals baseball game or the Kansas City Chiefs football game on. I was like, ‘I kind of like this.’
“And then we would play balloon volleyball in the living room with me and my parents and my brother, and I thought, ‘I think this sport’s really fun.’ So, then I started going to some camps and learning more about how to perfect some techniques. I started playing club volleyball in second grade, and I’ve loved it ever since.”
Isabel began playing on Saxony Lutheran’s varsity team during her sophomore year.
“That year, I set me and another setter,” she said. “I would play the back row, and then someone would play my front row, and then she would sub in. I’m still a setter, except this year, I set all the way around. I set in the back row and front row.”
In addition to playing volleyball, Isabel is on Saxony Lutheran’s soccer team.
“I play defense in soccer,” she said. “It’s kind of new to me because, before high school, I hadn’t really played much. The coaches have worked with me a lot and I really enjoy the game because it’s something different than volleyball. I get to use different skills because I’ve been playing volleyball my whole life. It’s kind of good to get a little bit of a variety. I like learning new things and working to get better at everything I do. Soccer gives me that opportunity.”
When Isabel was asked what part she felt she played in the volleyball team’s success, she said, “I think that just coming into the gym and giving my 100 percent every day goes a long way. I just like to push my teammates to be the best that they can be and work as a team. I think that I played a decent part in winning that. I just love Saxony, and I love getting to play sports with my best friends and succeeding whenever we do that.”
While some athletes might find it difficult to have a parent as their coach, Isabel hasn’t found it to be a problem but admits it can sometimes be a little bit challenging.
“It's not like it ends when the game is over,” she said. “I come home, and we usually talk about it more. I just have to remember that she's the coach. A lot of times, she’s giving me feedback as a coach and not my mom. I just have to remember that she plays both roles in my life now.”
Isabel mentioned a very special lesson her mom has taught the team.
“She pushes us to do our best,” she said. “Our theme this year is to never settle, which is a good reminder day in and day out. Even if we do have a good game or a good practice, we can always do better. That drives us. She’s always there for her players, no matter what. We always know we can go to her with anything.”
There are also several things that Isabel does to make herself a better player.
“More than anything, I watch a lot of films and analyze myself,” she said. “If I push a set out too far, I take note of that, and then I work on that at practice, in my basement, at the game, or whatever. I’m working on technique stuff, like making my passes better by focusing on the fundamentals.”
Another key to the team’s success is that they get along with each other.
“We work really well together because, you know, we can be friends throughout the school day, and then whenever we get on the court, we're just ready to compete for each other no matter what,” she said.
Isabel already knows what she wants to do after graduation.
“After graduating from high school this spring, I plan to play volleyball and eventually become a physical therapist. I think it's important to cherish every moment and just be thankful for everything because it really does go by fast. All the experiences you've had — good or bad — help make you who you are today. I think that your faith can play a really big role in your athletics. It's important to thank God for all the opportunities that you've been given.”
Adalina Deckerd
The daughter of Bleau and Rachel Deckard, Adalina became interested in sports at an early age.
“It was when I was really young,” she said. “I started playing volleyball in fourth grade because I had always watched my sister play. Honestly, I just couldn't wait to start playing.”
Adalina, who also plays on the school’s soccer team, began playing on the volleyball team in her freshman year of high school.
“So, this is my fourth year playing,” she said. “I’m an outside hitter, but I also play back row. Your main goal is to get the third hit and then hit it over the net. But you're also in charge of blocking the right side, so it’s a pretty big job, but I really enjoy it.”
Asked what part she has played in the team’s success, Adalina said, “I try to be a good leader on the court, but I also have a very easygoing personality. I'm always trying to be encouraging to everyone. Whether they're doing good or making mistakes, I just try to keep the team atmosphere positive and upbeat. I would say we have a really good team chemistry. It helps that we’re all super close outside of volleyball, too.
“That helps us to work well together on the court. Whether we’re doing something good or bad, we’re always there to lift each other up and be encouraging. As a team and individually, it’s super-important that we never settle. I feel like we do a really good job of that as a team.
“Our coach has always been super-supportive, too. I also had her as a coach before I got to Saxony, so it’s honestly pretty cool having her as a coach again. I feel like she really knows her stuff. It helps to have a coach who helps us know where we need to be on the court or, if we make a mistake, how we can fix it. It’s super-helpful that she knows what she’s doing, but also super-encouraging and supportive.”
There are several things Adalina does to improve herself as a player.
“I try to show up every day, whether it’s practice or a game, and always give 100 percent effort,” she said. “I work hard and try to set a good example. I also try to take any opportunity I can to pick up a volleyball and try to improve the little things.”
After graduating from Saxony Lutheran this spring, Adalina said, “Right now, I'm planning on going to SEMO in Cape and getting a degree in elementary education.”
She added that she isn’t planning on playing college sports so she can focus fully on her classwork. Still, she might play a little just for fun from time to time without being on a team.
