The fall sports season hasn’t started off on the best foot. With several delays and cancelled workouts, practices and games, it could’ve been easy to feel discouraged. Despite these obstacles, our girls have remained determined and many sports have started playing recently. Our athlete of the quarter is Libby Corbett ’21. You may have seen her sporting her student council sash or singing in one of our music ensembles, but what you might not know that she is a very talented volleyball player! I had the chance to ask Libby how she does it all.

How long have you’ve been playing volleyball and position?

I started playing volleyball in seventh grade when I made the volleyball team at my middle school, but I really discovered my love for volleyball in eighth grade when I started playing on a club team. I’ve been a setter ever since I started playing, which means I take the ball from the passers and set it to the hitters. I really love my position because I get to call plays and touch the ball almost every point.

Do you play any other sports?

No, I’ve never really had time to play any other sports because I play volleyball year-round. In the fall I play for Nazareth, in the winter and spring I play for a club, and in the summer sometimes I play beach volleyball.

What’s your favorite memory with playing volleyball at Naz or any team?

I have so many great memories playing volleyball that it’s almost impossible to pick just one, but my favorite memories come from playing in tournaments with my club team. One of my favorite tournaments was in Orlando, Florida because we would go to Disney World after out matches. I also just love being on the court in general, so any time I make a play or score a point is really fun.

What drills are your favorite to practice?

I’m not sure if anyone has a favorite drill, because most drills are to practice and learn new skills which can seem tedious at times, but I really like to watch the skills we practice happen in a game. If I had to pick a favorite drill it would probably be hitting lines when we practice special sets and plays to run.

Do you plan on continuing volleyball in college?

I’m not planning to play volleyball on a college team, but I’m considering continuing club volleyball at the college I attend. I definitely want to keep playing volleyball throughout my life.

Any advice to other busy student-athletes to help them balance their schedules?

My advice is to make sure you prioritize your activities. School always comes first for me, then everything else in which I’m involved. Also, make sure you enjoy your sport and whatever else you’re doing, because if it isn’t making you happy or helping you grow as a person, then you should try to find something that does.

This article originally appeared in the October 2020 edition of The Nazareth, Volume XCIII, No. 1.