Senior Annie Metherd has been a part of the DGS volleyball program for all four years of her high school experience. Metherd started out as a middle hitter on the freshman B team and is now an outside hitter for varsity. From starting at the bottom and making her way to the top, Metherd shares her experiences with DGS volleyball and what she has learned from it.

“I learned how to push myself and I learned that I was capable of more things than I thought I was. I think if my freshman self were to see the things that I’ve accomplished from being on the B team to varsity my senior year, she’d be so proud of me,” Metherd said.

Something that played a big role in Metherd’s experiences throughout DGS volleyball has been her coaches. Similar to other athletes, Metherd turns to her coaches when she is in need of motivation.

“Coach Wolf here at DGS has always just believed in me and wanted [what’s] better for me ever since I was a freshman here at South,” Metherd said.

Former freshman B team coach and current freshman A team coach Brett Wolf coached Metherd her freshman year. Wolf chimes in on Metherd’s journey from a B-team player to a varsity player.

“The coolest thing about Annie’s journey is she always makes time for the freshman. Every year since I coached her, Annie has come down and talked to the freshman B team and talked about how they have to stay positive and believe in each other. She tells them how much she’s grown from freshman year by not giving up on herself and continuously working hard,” Wolf said.

Metherd learned a lot of valuable lessons on and off of the volleyball court over the past four years. From the b team to varsity, these valuable lessons have transferred into her everyday life.

“One of the most valuable lessons that I learned is definitely being an underdog and learning how to become still like a supporter for yourself and the people around you so that you can still grow in a skill and not lose belief in yourself,” Metherd said.

Metherd has taken a lot of advice from coaches and teammates in order to improve her skills. As a freshman athlete once looking for advice, Metherd wants to be a role model for the current freshman volleyball players.

“Never give up, because the place you’re in now does not determine your future and the things you’re able to accomplish are really just a mindset and goals that you set for yourself. It’s never about your physical abilities so if you’re mentally putting yourself back, you are putting yourself back physically,” Metherd said.

Many players and coaches have been inspired by Metherd’s growth. Wolf elaborates on what made Metherd stand out from other players.

“As a player, Annie’s ability to play a smart brand of volleyball really stands out. She never tries to do too much, she does the little things right, and she is able to excel in all facets of the game. Her energy also makes her stand out as a player, you can always count on Annie to pick up your spirits regardless of how the team is doing,” Wolf said.