Senior outside hitter Sydney Deeken (California, Mo.) is making her presence felt in a big way on the volleyball court this season. Coming off a stellar 17 kill, two solo block, 20.5 point performance vs. Green Bay at the Utah Classic (Sept. 8), Deeken has already set single-season career-highs in kills (88), attacks (229), assists (six), solo blocks (six), total blocks (23) and points (106.5), with plenty of matches left to play.
Deeken has arguably been Mizzou's most consistent offensive threat this season, posting 10 kills in five matches and having six matches with more than 10 points. Deeken says her success this season has come from several reasons: her health, thinking less and having the trust of her teammates.
"The feeling of your teammates looking at you after you get a good kill is awesome, and that's what triggers you to do more - hit more and hit harder," Deeken said.
While Deeken is having a breakout campaign this year, the first three years of her collegiate career were not as rosy. A career thus far plagued with injuries, this season is the first time she's been fully healthy and truly felt like herself. Deeken is proud of how she's dealt with the injuries and setbacks she has experienced through the years, spending countless hours receiving treatment and sitting on the sidelines, longing to be with her teammates on the court.
Deeken's contributions to the team go beyond her volleyball skills. As one of five seniors, she's taken on the challenge of being a leader for her teammates head-on.
Some of her best leadership traits she possesses are her voice and her undying enthusiasm. At the quietest times during practice and matches her voice can be heard and her energy can be felt.
"I want to be the leader that my teammates can come to and talk to about any problems – both on and off the court," Deeken exclaimed. "I also want to be the leader with a voice. I want to be a leader who is energized and constantly giving feedback."
With Southeastern Conference play starting next Wednesday (Sept. 20) against Kentucky, Deeken says she is excited to play in front of the home fans, putting what the team has worked on into action and playing the SEC teams they're used to playing.
While Mizzou has battled inconsistencies during non-conference tournaments so far, going 4-6 in 10 matches, Deeken believes that the preseason is the time to work on the things the team needs to improve on, and that the hard work the team is putting in will pay off in the long run.
As Deeken's collegiate volleyball career comes to a close in the coming months, she reflects on the great things that have come from being a member of the Mizzou Volleyball program. She's worked through adversity, seen the program excel at the highest levels and made some of her best friends through the sport, forming unbreakable bonds.
"When I graduate, I can play volleyball still, but I won't ever have a connection with a group of girls like I do now," Deeken said.