By Sadie Chronister and Sosi Sengal, Staff Reporters
After wearing No. 30 for four years, senior Cheyenne Bird closed out her high school volleyball career with the end of the 2024-25 season.
Bird started volleyball after quitting gymnastics and making the volleyball team as a freshman. She plays club volleyball for Synergy Volleyball Club and has played on its National 1s Team for the past three years. As a setter and a hitter, she leads the team in kills and aces. Bird comes in second in digs and third in blocks. During her sophomore year, she set a school record of 310 kills.
“It was the first time in ’Stoga history that someone had accomplished that. The previous record was 231,” Bird said. “It was definitely a confidence booster because it showed me that all of my hard work was paying off.”
Bird has continued to work on her skills throughout her high school career. Over the last three years, she battled through a broken leg while becoming a leading player on the team. This year, she is a co-captain and has maintained commitment through training
“Progress takes practice, and that is definitely one of the hardest things to learn as an athlete, especially if you’re trying to learn a skill that you can’t get on your first try. But in terms of improving my skill, I would say (it takes) lots of practice, discipline and being open and able to being coached,” Bird said.
Her teammates appreciate her work ethic and overall impact on the team. One teamate that shares these sentiments is varsity player and sophomore Clare O’Donnell.
“Her competitive nature inspires the team and motivates us to play as the best versions of ourselves. Her dedication speaks for itself and helps us all want to improve,” O’Donnell said.
Bird is committed to play Division II volleyball at Coker University next fall. She is continuing to play due to her love and passion for the sport. Bird is eager to push her ability and play with new people in the future.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of building a high-level program at Coker University with my new coach and amazing new teammates,” Bird said. “I’m (also) looking forward to getting new experiences and competing at a higher level than what I’m used to as well as building my volleyball knowledge and building my skill.”
Sadie Chronister can be reached at [email protected].
