Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
CHILLICOTHE — Over her three-year volleyball career at Southeastern, Skylar Hice has made a living off making opponents look foolish.
Hice, who will enter her senior year this fall, is a terror at the net with authoritarian-like swings that would make the best of defenders wince. When she hits the ball hard, the whole gym notices.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
Last season was arguably the best she’s had with the Panthers, posting a team-high 314 kills alongside 48 aces, 39 blocks and 413 digs. Those numbers helped Southeastern post a 24-4 overall record and a 12-2 mark inside the Scioto Valley Conference.
Hice was named the SVC’s Player of the Year — just the third Panther to ever win that honor — and Southeastern won conference, sectional and district championships.
This year, she’s looking for nothing but more of the same.
Before her senior year starts, we caught up with Hice to ask her about her passion for the game, what you can expect to see this fall and much more.
Question: As you enter your senior year, what are you hoping to improve upon the most?
Hice: As I enter my senior year, I would like to continue improving upon all aspects of the game, especially my passing. I would also like to improve upon being a better leader and role model for the underclassmen on my team.
Q: You guys did what you do best last season: win. And now, you bring back loads of talent. After two consecutive trips to a regional tournament, how can you get over that hump into state?
SH: Getting over that hump this year will be very difficult because we’re such a young team. We’ll have to be patient and give the younger kids time to grow. But with hard work and heart, I think we can reach our goal.
Q: You do suffer some losses in players like Lauren [Goebel], Jess [Bolte] and Sierra [DeLong]. What do you expect out of the younger girls as they fill those roles?
SH: I expect the same thing I did from the older girls. We need them to play their roles and we’ll succeed as a team.
Q: Can you talk about what it’s like to play in the Scioto Valley Conference every night?
SH: I love it. The SVC is easily one of the best leagues in Ohio. You have to be prepared night in and night out and it prepares you for tournament ball.
Q: Individually, you were just as electric as always last fall. What’s your favorite part about volleyball?
SH: My favorite part of the game is that no play is ever the same. I also love being with my coaches and teammates, and representing my school and community.
Q: In an overall sense, what can we expect to see out of the Panthers this coming season?
SH: As of right now I’m not too sure what I’d tell you to expect. At this moment, we’re focusing on getting our younger kids up to speed and comfortable. I’d tell you to expect us to compete every night and play with heart.