Freshman Amy Hiatt moves up to the JV volleyball team
Amy Hiatt full of smiles as she participates in PE at Placer.
October 27, 2015
By Kennedy Haswell
Messenger Staff Writer
There are a lot of things that make freshman Amy Hiatt a stand out. Maybe it’s the fact that she is 6’2”, or maybe it’s the fact that she made the junior varsity volleyball team as a freshman, one of only two players. Not only though is she just on the team, she starts.
“When I heard I made JV I thought I was just going to be sitting on the bench, but once I found out I was going to be a starter I was pretty excited,” Hiatt exclaimed.
She hasn’t only been starting, she’s been an impact player for the team, known specifically for her blocking skills, given that she is very athletic and exceptionally tall. Freshman teammate, Clare Arnold, also has nothing but good things to say about Hiatt.
“She’s consistent in everything she does. She’s always good at hitting, always good at serving.”
— Clare Arnold
This all must result from the fact that Hiatt has been playing volleyball competitively since 5th grade. So far this high school season has been challenging her the perfect amount, for her club, Auburn Aces, in past years hasn’t always done considering her above average skill level. When asked to compare the two, Hiatt explained that,
“High school is a little more challenging. And it’s probably more fun because I see the girls everyday.” She also talked about how all of the girls get along very well, and that she knows the coach (Jackie Biles) from her club so that works out well.
In club volleyball, Hiatt talked about how you only get to play with the girls about twice a week whereas in high school you get to play with everybody every day which is a big deal. It creates a better bond and makes it easier to communicate and work together in games.
Not only does she just play volleyball, she is a versatile three sport athlete. While volleyball is definitely her number one, Hiatt also plays basketball and track, which both sports she is planning on playing at Placer.
Sports are a very major part of her life,and volleyball specifically is definitely something she sees herself doing for a long time, playing in college being her main goal.
“I would love to play at UCLA, or maybe UNR because that’s a little closer to home.”
UCLA is part of the Pac-12 conference and in the women’s volleyball history, they have won 4 NCAA championships the last one being in 2011. Playing sports in college is a very big commitment, let alone very difficult to do, but if anyone were going to accomplish this feat, I would put my money on Hiatt.
With all of that being said, this is only the beginning for the freshman, considering she has 3 years after this season left, and there is so much more room to grow.
