Mollie Canter (11) is a starter on the McCracken Varsity Volleyball team as a Defensive Specialist, wearing number 17. In the past, she has been a Libero for Junior Varsity and Team Captain for the JV team, as well as being named MVP her freshman year.
Canter started playing volleyball in fourth grade. She’s played different positions on the team since she started playing. This year, they’ve had a rough patch, and they are having to work harder since the loss of valuable players due to graduation. She said that it has been a struggle to succeed with her team, but they have been improving. Canter said, “I love the girls on our team, I love my coaches; volleyball is something I enjoy.”
Canter had a muscle spasm in her back; she strained her muscles, causing pain whenever she passed, served, and walked. She said it would hurt when she did anything. Canter said, “I have overcome those challenges knowing that it will get better in the end, and when I put in the recovery that was needed to happen. I’m back to where I am now.”
Canter fuels her passion for volleyball by seeing the results of how hard she works. She said, “It’s very fun playing volleyball because I have that talent and I was given that talent for a reason.”
She has definitely grown over the past three years; she has learned new skills, developed a new attitude, and adopted a new mindset, all while growing as a leader and refining her communication skills through her team experience.
The picture on the left was her ‘jump serving’ the ball to the other team. One of her roles as a defensive specialist was creating a perfect pass to the setter, who would set the ball to the hitter, who then could spike the ball to score points for their team.
The picture on the right shows Canter’s position and where she stands as a defensive specialist. That was her stance when she was ready to receive a serve. Skills to be a defensive specialist include strong skills in passing and serving, with quick reflexes and agility.
