Freshman Alissa Simon has made her mark on the FHN volleyball program this year, earning her spot on the varsity roster as a starter. Simon has significantly less experience than most others on varsity as she has only been playing volleyball for four years, compared to some who have been playing for upwards of six years. However, that hasn’t troubled Simon this year. Simon is third on the team in blocks with 38 and third on the team with a 91.67 serve efficiency. She isn’t worried about her lack of experience compared to her teammates.
“I’m keeping up with their level of play a lot more than I was expecting to,” Simon said. “I’m even keeping up with the ones who have been playing for 10 plus years.”
The ‘freshman on varsity’ dynamic is a much different experience than being an upperclassman on varsity. The pressure on a freshman to have to adapt to a new school environment, along with the highest level of high school sport, is a tough task for anyone. Simon has overcome that obstacle so far this season, adapting well to her new school all while keeping up her performances in volleyball. Simon is surrounded by experienced players and people that have had three plus years at FHN.
“We all get along pretty well,” Simon said “ It’s nice having a lot of people that include me and are helpful with things that I don’t quite understand yet.”
Simon plays the position of right side, which is a very versatile position to play in volleyball. When Simon isn’t playing right side, she’s playing any defensive position. People playing right side are skilled on attack and defense. This is a very sought-after position, with a lot of players wanting to play it. Since the position of right side is so competitive, Simon has to be on her A game whenever she is there in order to keep that position. Head varsity coach Stonyrae Harris is impressed with Simon and her ability to adapt to such a change.
“It’s very impressive, I have to say,” Harris said. “The way she showed her talent, even from tryouts, made it a no brainer for us to keep her with the varsity girls.”