Bailey using summer to prepare for senior volleyball season

Ed. Note: This week’s Bethel female Spotlight Athlete is senior Claire Bailey, who returns from an all-conference season for her finale with the Bees.

Coming off a very successful season, the Bethel volleyball team looks to compete again near the top of the Three Rivers Conference. Senior Claire Bailey will lead the way for the Bees this season. She was not only honored as a second-team all-conference player last year but also looks to embrace a solid leadership role again this season, guiding her squad toward a league title.

“My team’s competitive drive is what will take us far this season,” Bailey said. “We are looking to take the conference title. There’s a lot of fresh talent this year, and I think we’ll surprise a lot of teams. We have worked hard during the offseason, and it’s showing. Our varsity head coach, Alan Ronnebaum, continues to guide us through extensive training and improving our skills.”

Bailey continues to work on her game in the offseason, which she knows will pay off when the season begins in August.

“I am constantly playing volleyball or training,” she said. “Every year, I strive for growth, and this year, I look forward to playing one last season with Bethel. As for my success last season, I would attribute it to my strong work ethic and my constant desire to improve. My goal this season is to win the TRC and enjoy my senior year with my teammates and coaches.”

Her game has really grown since she started playing volleyball nearly eight years ago. This year will be extra special for her as she gets to enjoy her senior season alongside her sibling.

“I started playing volleyball in fourth grade with my friends, and since then I haven’t looked back,” Bailey said. “I played many sports as a kid, but when I started volleyball, I knew it was the sport for me. Since then, I’ve played for Bethel, different clubs, gone to skill camps, and played in sand leagues.”

“My little sisters are my biggest supporters, and I look forward to playing my last season with my sister, Olivia, who is an incoming freshman. My coaches are what truly have led me to my successful career, and I am thankful for all of them.”

While she spends countless hours training, she also is part of a solid club volleyball team that will make her game even better.

“My club season at Air City Chix will end in late June, where we’ll go to Florida for AAU Nationals,” she said. “My team plays at the national level where we face tough competition and constantly push ourselves to be the best we can.”

“Along with that, my school team is involved in different summer leagues against schools in the area. We have multiple open gyms every week where we condition and get ready for the season.”

She has not decided whether she will continue her playing career in college, but she knows what she wants to get involved in following high school.

“I plan on pursuing an undergraduate degree in nursing,” she said. “I would be grateful to be able to play the sport I love and chase my goals.”