Not only did the Cypress Falls High School varsity volleyball team seize their win against Cypress Lakes High School on Tuesday night, Sept. 3, the libero of the team, Haley Buchanan (12), surpassed one-thousand digs in her position on varsity. 

“It makes me really excited because it’s been a goal of mine for a while,” Buchanan said. “It means a lot to me because I care about my team and I’m glad I did this for them because I hope it helps motivate them.” 

The libero’s role is to lead the defense and put up a good ball to help set up the offense. UIL rules stipulate that only one libero may be on the team at a time and has unique rules that apply to their role. The libero sports a different jersey to help refs easily identify the player.

“I love my position because it’s all about helping my team and bettering the ball and allowing us to produce favorable offense,” Buchanan said. “My position is very special to me because it’s a very competitive position to get and to maintain. The libero jersey is an honor to wear.”

Buchanan has played volleyball for about ten years and has learned how to stay focused and achieve goals that she has set.

“[Prior to a game] I just mainly keep to myself and stay quiet so I can focus,” Buchanan said. “ I think one of my strengths is staying positive even if I or my teammates mess up.” 

Head Volleyball Coach Kathy Stephenson, a 44 year veteran of volleyball, is excited about the direction that the program is heading in this year.

 “Haley’s a dream,” Stephenson said. “I mean she’s a model student. She’s a great person. She’s a hard worker and she’s a leader on the court. It’s really neat to watch how the kids just have confidence and they rely on her because they know she’s gonna do her job.”

Although Buchanan doesn’t plan on continuing volleyball at the collegiate level, she does plan on joining clubs and staying active. Buchanan has set her heart on The University of Texas at Austin to pursue her interest in economics. 

“I think my mom is my motivation because I want to make her proud of me,” Buchanan said.