At first glance, 5’1” Meilee Brown wouldn’t be your first pick for the volleyball team. But the junior player should be.
A three-year varsity player, Brown is the team’s libero, the only position that remains in the game at all times.
Brown is responsible for passing the ball to her teammates can run the offense. She also has to be able to dig the ball as well as set the ball when the setter can’t reach. She has 387 digs this season so far.
“Meilee’s role on the team is to be the defensive leader,” coach Jacob Thompson said. “She leads the team in digs and passing percentage.”
Brown sets the tone for the game. The other players look to her for guidance.
“She brings enthusiasm and competitiveness to the team that helps drive us in matches,” Thompson said. “When times are tough she rallies the team around her. She brings leadership to the team that is greatly needed.”
For Brown, she loves playing libero and being in control. She doesn’t feel her height is a disadvantage.
“It helps me be quicker on the court,” Brown said.
Brown and the varsity team have had some success this season. At the first tournament, Wimberley Tex-Fest, the Lady Raiders finished 4-1. The team also hosted the district’s annual Volleypallooza, which included 28 teams from around the state. The Lady Raiders won matches against Bastrop, Wimberley and Elgin.
“It was really fun and we got to miss the school,” sophomore Taylor Ellner said.
In district play, the team started strong winning back-to-back matches against Vandegrift and Cedar Park.
“We were confident in our playing,” Brown said. “We had a lot of team unity and confidence.”
The Lady Raiders would win one more match in the first round, a 3-1 win over Dripping Springs. In the second round, the team has struggled with close losses against Vandegrift and Vista Ridge.
With two matches left, the team is hoping to end the season on a strong note.
“We are looking to beat Marble Falls next Tuesday and getting help from Marble Falls and Vandergrift to go to playoffs,” Thompson said.
The Lady Raiders take on Lake Travis Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the gym.
