Sports
Freshman Elson Cracks Ike Volleyball Code
Eisenhower's Darian Elson scores a spot on the varsity volleyball team as a freshman.
It's not easy to make a varsity team at .
Now try doing it as a ninth-grader. Darian Elson did.
The 14-year-old volleyball junkie cracked the code last week in the Ike gym and found herself a comfy spot on the varsity roster.
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"This is the first time in my four years coaching here that a freshman made the varsity team," Eisenhower volleyball coach Caitlyn Russo said. "I think it takes someone that has a good head on their shoulders, is adaptable and is very coachable to make the varsity team. Darian is all of those things. I think she will progress easily and what I noticed from her is that she works very well with our offensive and one of our setters. She's very quick on her feet and has a very quick read on the ball. I definitely see her getting into our offense, probably in the middle."
The 5'11" Elson bubbled with excitement when she recalled the tryouts.
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Making the varsity team really wasn't a goal of mine," said Elson. "But once I started playing with them I started craving it. I wanted to play for the coach, to play with the team. This is all like a dream to me. During tryouts I kept telling myself to just try my hardest; if I don't make varsity it's OK. I just tried not to be nervous."
Elson's game plan worked.
"This level of volleyball has a higher pace than what I'm used to but it's good for my skills," said Elson. "Here there are more hits and fewer tips so I can get more blocks in. Blocking gives me an adrenalin rush, it's so fun."
"She is very respectful," said Russo. "A lot of the girls call me Caitlyn but there are a few like Darian that decided on their own to call me 'coach.' I think that speaks volumes for the type of person that she is. I don't think that will ever change; I think she will always call me 'coach' and that is one thing that really stuck out in my mind."
Elson is wasting no time in getting acquainted with the Eagles.
"I absolutely love my teammates, they are like sisters to me already," said Elson. "And my coach is amazing. I wouldn't want to work with anyone else."
