Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
PORTSMOUTH — There’s been no shortage of special talent climbing through the ranks of Notre Dame’s volleyball program in recent history.
As you’d imagine, because of that, the Titans have been ultra successful, piling on victory after victory.
So when Lyndsey Schaefer arrived at the scene as a sophomore last season without missing a beat, it was no surprise. Schaefer was just the latest Titan — and Schaefer sister, for that matter — to get the chance to showcase her abilities on the biggest stage.
And when opportunity knocked, she rushed to answer.
Stepping into Notre Dame’s setter role, Schaefer flourished with 704 assists and just 19 ball-handling errors in 1,704 attempts. Those numbers went alongside 38 aces and 128 digs.
Most first-year varsity players don’t post numbers like that. Schaefer, who admits she did go through an adjustment period, made it look easy.
“Going from a freshman on JV to a sophomore varsity setter was definitely a big adjustment,” Schaefer. “Fortunately, for me, I had great teammates who encouraged me every step of the way as well as a coach [Katie Dettwiller] who never stopped believing in me, even on my bad days. I think a big part of my success came from the people around me.”
Schaefer worked with her teammates to help their program go 21-4 overall with a 14-0 mark in Southern Ohio Conference I play. The Titans’ season ended with a tough-luck five-set loss to Waterford in a Division IV district semifinal — who was the eventual district champion.
Now, with 700-plus assists under her belt, Schaefer is ready to take on an even larger role.
“Although 704 assists is a big accomplishment, I have to give credit to my teammates for helping me achieve this goal,” Schaefer said. “1,000 assists would mean a lot, especially being able to follow in the footsteps of both my sisters. But, being a leader and an example of good sportsmanship is my main focus for the upcoming season.”
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
Like last year, she’ll have plenty of help reaching her goal.
Notre Dame returns multiple big-time swingers including Bree Hicks and Maycee Ford, who combined to tally 498 kills in 2023 — 306 and 192, respectively, to lead the team.
The Titans will also welcome back now-veterans Maddie Entler and Bella Rush, as well as several others who contributed last fall.
“Being a part of this program is truly like being a part of a family,” Schaefer said. “We may have our ups and downs, but at the end of the day, we all come together in order to reach a common goal. I have seen the values of hard work, accountability, and teamwork while growing up and watching my sisters [Hagen and Cassie]. I hope to continue that legacy throughout my career at Notre Dame.”
The team’s values are set, and continued, by a former Titan — and a darn good one in her own right — in Dettwiller.
In her two seasons at the helm of ND’s program, Dettwiller has guided her team to a 42-9 overall record without losing a conference match.
“Coach Dettwiller has definitely been the biggest part of our team’s success these last two years,” Schaefer said. “Being a former player at Notre Dame herself, she holds us to high expectations and pushes us to be the best version of ourselves everyday. Above everything, she cares for each and every one of her players and takes pride in carrying out the Notre Dame tradition.”
The Titans’ season is scheduled to start on Aug. 20 with a home date against Wheelersburg. Then, two days later, they’ll travel to South Webster.
Needless to say, Schaefer and company will be put to the test early — and they’d have it no other way.
“Although replacing last year’s seniors is going to be a challenge, we have lots of upcoming talent who are willing to step up in order for us to have another successful season,” Schaefer said. “We are expecting to take on our given roles, play hard and work together for the sake of the team.”
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