By Kendall Upchurch – Staff Reporter

Senior Captain Lily Pleimann is embracing her role as a leader and setter for the Law volleyball team.

Pleimann has built her high school volleyball career on dedication and leadership. As the team’s captain and setter, she strives to be more than just a player on the court, while also being a role model and trusted friend for her teammates. 

“Whether they’re facing athletic challenges, academic, or personal struggles, I focus on my peers knowing I’m someone they can turn to,” Pleimann said.  

Pleimann’s teammates describe her as kind, hardworking, cheerful, sweet, positive, and energetic. 

Her path to leadership wasn’t handed to her – it was earned. After playing multiple positions early on, Pleimann volunteered to fill in as a setter during a jamboree her junior year, a position she’d never played before.

“Lily works hard and is always striving to get better,” Head Coach Ms. Loch said. “She’s willing to step into any position needed at any time, and she has over the last few years. She’s supportive of all her teammates, All of these attributes make Lily a great team captain.”

Pleimann excelled under pressure, earning the role permanently and improving her reputation as a player who steps up when needed to. 

“Lily is an amazing setter on varsity,” freshman Kate Rotondo said. “She’s always hustling and ready to play>”

For Pleimann, volleyball began as a way to make friends as a freshman, but it evolved into something much more: a passion, and a community where she formed some of her strongest relationships. Although, being a captain comes with challenges too.

“The hardest part is always trying to be a good example,” Pleimann said. “We all have bad days, but as a captain, you have to show your teammates how to move on from mistakes without bringing yourself down.”

“Lily’s leadership is felt well beyond the varsity court,” sophomore Angelina D’Aurelio said “ Even though I’m not on varsity, I know Lily is a great person to be on the court with.”

Pleimann’s dedication as a captain and setter is admired by many teammates. 

“She brings out the best in everyone and is always ready to have a fun time, on and off the court,” D’Aurelio said. “During tough games, Lily helps keep her teammates’ spirits up, which is so important when under pressure.”

Law’s volleyball team has a team bonding program called Big Sis and Little Sis, where older players mentor younger ones, providing support, encouragement, and fostering a sense of community and team spirit throughout the season. 

“Lily is my big sis and she’s always there for me when I’m down,” sophomore Abbi Leydon said. “She knows how to make people laugh and smile, and she’s a huge part of the volleyball team.”

Pleimann makes sure every one of her teammates knows she is someone they can talk to and trust. 

“My favorite memory with her was during tryouts, when she gave me so much support and help,” Rotondo said. 

When it comes to selecting captains, Loch explained, effort and attitude matter just as much as skill. 

“I look for athletes who are going to work hard and be coachable,” Loch said. “I want someone who will help pick the team up when we are down. Lily does exactly that.”