Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Shania Neubauer, MSU-N Volleyball

The season may be young, but Montana State University-Northern junior volleyball player Shania Neubauer is already impressing this season for the Skylights.

Neubauer has played volleyball since she was in sixth grade and has taken a passion for the sport onto the court ever since. Neubauer played volleyball at Belgrade High School and aimed then aimed to be a setter for the Skylights.

Neubauer is currently in her third year of play for MSU-N and has enjoyed her time on the team. On top of that, Neubauer is quite the versatile player on the court, utilizing her array of skills to assist the Skylights.

Neubauer plays setter, outside hitter and defensive specialist for MSU-N. She was able to find her dreams in the position of setter, but also was given the opportunity to thrive as an outside hitter, which means she impacts the Skylight offense from all over the court.

Neubauer's versatility on the court is something that became a factor when the circumstances called for it.

"When players go down we need someone to step in those positions," said Neubauer. "So, that's been me this year. It definitely helps having someone that can play all positions and not just one."

Neubauer's skill at three different positions has given the Skylights a great player that can keep the team in the game. Her versatile talent had some sparks against the University of Providence last Wednesday evening.

Neubauer racked up 24 total attempts on attacks, 12 digs and three kills. In the setter position, Neubauer gave her team many opportunities to make big plays.

Neubauer has been devoted to the MSU-N club since her freshman year of college. Her motivation every season she's played with the Skylights so far has made her a very proud and skilled athlete.

As for the goals she wishes to achieve, Neubauer is team-orientated and driven to do the best she can every game.

"I want to have a better season than last year, to start off with," Neubauer said. "We've definitely already made that goal. We're a lot more of a team this year. We've won a lot more games than we had last year. We're just getting better. I think a lot of people can see that."

Northern has done a lot to make strides this season and with Neubauer at the ready to do whatever she must to help her team succeed, the Skylights have a lot of great things to be proud of, no matter how the season ends.

MSU-N will be playing another big home game against the Rocky Mountain College Battlin' Bears Friday at 7 p.m. in the Armory Gymnasium.

But, before the big game, Havre Daily News caught up with Neubauer and asked the standout athlete five questions.

HDN: What is the mindset you have when you step out on the court?

Neubauer: "Just do your best to be a good teammate. Always do your best like Coach Wagner always talks about. If you're doing your best every day, then you're never going to look back and be like, 'Oh I wish I could have done something else.'"

HDN: What is the biggest motivation to you on the court?

Neubauer: "The seniors is probably the biggest motivation. I'm pretty good friends with both of them and this is our last year out there, so I want to do everything I can to make them have a good last year and make memories with them."

HDN: What are your hobbies outside of volleyball?

Neubauer: "Other sports. I love playing intramural basketball with some of my teammates. I love playing slow-pitch softball, going to thel lake and hanging out with friends."

HDN: What is your favorite position to play on the court?

Neubauer: "The setter. You're kind of like the quarterback of the team. You bring everyone together and you just have the most control."

HDN: What's your favorite thing about the game of volleyball?

Neubauer: "Probably the competitive part about it. I'm super competitive I love to win. I love to encourage my teammates to get better and help them get better as they help me get better."