This week’s athlete of the week is senior volleyball captain and outside hitter Luke Schall. Schall is a four-year varsity athlete whose height and athletic tenure has allowed him to collect 43 points, 82% serve percentage, and seven blocks so far this season. Schall has led the Jr. Bills on an impressive 10-0 start to the season.

Theo Agniel: Where did your volleyball career spawn? What was your childhood relationship with volleyball like?

 

Luke Schall: When I was eight, my dad would just play around with some of his friends on sand volleyball courts, and I’d be there. So I touched the ball every once in a while. And then CYC started in third grade. Ever since then, I fell in love with the sport and started a club team when I was 11. I kept playing and I loved it, so I’ve been playing ever since.

 

TA: If I’m correct, you made varsity your freshman year. What was it like to be on a team that was undefeated that season?

 

LS: It was an amazing feeling. They’re all really great guys. I loved watching them just work. They loved the sport, and they just gave it their all out on the court. And so it was really cool to be able to watch that and be like, “That’s what I want to be as a senior.” So being able to talk with them and play with them was really cool. I feel like that’s had a big effect on me.

 

TA: You’ve never turned in a late assignment, ever. So what’s your advice to other athletes—how do you manage this athlete-student life?

 

LS: Well, it takes a lot to manage it. You just gotta stay organized. I like to be organized. Planners are helpful because they help me map out stuff.

 

TA: What’s your routine before each game?

 

LS: Before the game, usually Varsity will set the nets for JV and freshmen. We’ll get something like a snack, a sandwich, and watch their game. While you’re watching that, you’re cheering them on, which is great, and then also just kind of setting your mind for the big game ahead.

 

TA: Does the team have any fun traditions?

 

LS: We play a round of Gaga Ball in the locker room before every match, which I think is kind of cool. They did that my freshman year. Varsity’s always done that every year. I don’t know how many people know about that, but that’s something we like to do before games.

 

TA: What defining stats did you have that really cemented the fact that you were Athlete of the Week?

 

LS:  I think I had a pretty good hitting percentage. I know I’m in the eyes of the Post Dispatch, but volleyball is really a team sport. Every single play, you have a person pass the ball, set the ball, hit the ball. So before I even hit the ball, in order for that to work, we have to have a good pass, and a good set. So all the parts working really well is our key. Even with me being Player of the Week, it’s more of a team thing—we’re only successful when every part works together. Volleyball’s one of the best team sports out there.

 

TA: My argument is this season’s a season of revenge. You know, we lost to De Smet in the district finals last year. And from the way your schedule’s shaping up, you guys should face them again in the state semifinals. So what is it gonna really take to stir the fire, stoke the flames, so you guys can have a great season? What’s it gonna take?

 

LS: I mean, we’ve already been beating some teams we lost to last year. I think the team chemistry is really good. We’re really enjoying being with each other, working hard. And so, as we now get into conference play, seeing how those games go, even if we don’t win, giving our best in those matches, and then learning from those games to be able to use that in the playoffs. And I think we have a good foundation right now and we can really go really far. It’s looking good so far.

 

TA: The boys will be ready to take off their shirts in the 3rd set this year!