Hanna Vorhies has become a go-to player for Ozark everywhere on the court, rather than an outside hitter who would go to the bench upon rotating to the back row.
This is the Ozark senior’s first season as a six-rotation player and through 37 sets she’s responded with 142 kills, 73 digs, 20 blocks, 13 aces and 80 serve-receptions.
“I feel so much more involved in the game,” Vorhies said. “It’s hard when you’re on the bench and there’s not much you can do but cheer.”
Coach Adeana Brewer has enjoyed not having to sub for Vorhies.
“You have to make a decision whether you want to keep that outside hitter on the floor or make a substitution and put in a defensive specialist. Now, Hanna offers us a back-row attack, which we definitely need,” Brewer said.
“Hanna is one of my best friends and I love seeing her succeed,” right-side hitter Taylor Samson said. “She’s really helpful now not only in the front row but the back row with her attacks.”
Vorhies. whose career totals entering Ozark's trip to Nixa on Tuesday include 546 kills and 105 blocks, has learned to appreciate the instincts and smarts needed to make an effective pass to setter Ellie Schrader.
“Since I have always been a hitter, I never thought how hard passing would be. It’s given me a new perspective,” Vorhies said. “Now, getting a good pass for me is almost as exciting as getting a good hit because I’ve worked so hard to try to be a good passer.”
“It’s really good to have players play the role of their teammates because then they have more respect for the pressure of that position and the strong mindset you need to have,” Brewer said. “There’s not a lot of glory for passing. It’s not a glorious stat. It’s a stat we keep. But it’s not a stat in the records book or anything like that. It’s a selfless job and this has opened her eyes to what it’s like.
“Hanna sees this opportunity and is doing the extra work to try to keep that opportunity for herself,” Brewer added. “I think every outside wants to be a six-rotation player and she’s working hard and embracing that role. She’s getting in the extra serve-receive reps she needs and has been diligent about improving her back-row defense.”
Playing six rotations has also assured Vorhies the chance to serve. She had four aces in Ozark’s sweep of Webb City last week.
“My serve has improved a lot because I’m getting more opportunities to serve,” she said. “When I was just a middle, sometimes I might not serve.”
Vorhies utilizes a jump-float serve in which she charges from the wall of the gym toward the court and serves as she jumps.
“I like school ball because it gives you so much room for your approach, while in club ball, there is less room (because of numerous matches on one floor),” Vorhies said. “I can use power from my arm more because I can start back further and swing all the way through.”
