Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Sydney Wilting, Havre Volleyball

For seniors like Havre High's Sydney Wilting, the 2020 high school volleyball season is unlike any other. And it's a season girls like Wilting never envisioned as their careers progressed.

But, that's the world we live in today as COVID-19 has changed the volleyball landscape. As high school volleyball teams returned to the floor in August, they were met with a ton of differences, or COVID precautions. Things like group cheers, handshakes with the opposition, and switching benches after each set no longer exist. And of course, masks are a prevalent part of the sport now.

Still, players have adjusted, and Wilting certainly was willing to do so given how much she loves the sport. She's played it for as long as she can remember, and as Havre's starting libero, and a true team leader, Wilting was certainly going to be willing to adapt during these crazy times. And while she says it hasn't been easy, by any means, she's helping her team do what it takes to keep going.

"I'm not going to lie it's been frustrating," Wilting said. "The constant reminder to wear your mask and wearing them in practice has become a hassle, but we're doing what we can to get a whole season in this year."

The Ponies, under first-year head coach Steph Huse are doing what it takes. And while they got off to somewhat of a slow start, they've been defending their home court well, having beat Shelby and Miles City in the Pony Corral in each of the last two weeks.

And now, Havre has reached a critical juncture in the season, as the race toward divisionals is on. And while Wilting isn't ready to look back just yet, or look too far ahead, the three-sport standout at HHS says the season thus far, has been a good one, even with all the changes.

"So far this year has been really good," Wilting said. "We're improving every day and the whole team gets along so well."

Havre will look to keep winning at home, too. The Ponies host Eastern A rival Glendive Saturday. But before they take the floor for another tough match, the Havre Daily News caught up with Wilting for five questions.

HDN: You play libero. Explain the position for people who may not understand it?

Wilting: "As a libero I strictly play back row. Right now I rotate in and out for the middles and my main job is to stay deep and dig up anything over the other defenders' heads."

HDN: You are a three-sport athlete. Volleyball, basketball and softball. What is your favorite and why?

Wilting: "My all time favorite sport is softball. My entire life it's been such a positive atmosphere and the high school coaches: Vig, Petey and Bob have supported me through everything and really created a family atmosphere which makes it 10 times more enjoyable."

HDN: You worked at Dairy Queen. What's your favorite blizzard?

Wilting: "My favorite blizzard is the pumpkin pie blizzard, but my favorite one I used to make was the peanut butter Snickers blizzard, because it smelled so good."

HDN: What are your plans after high school?

Wilting: "After high school I plan on going to college and pursuing a career in the world of sports medicine or physical therapy."

HDN: What are you and the girls' goals for the remainder of the volleyball season?

Wilting: "Our goals for the remainder of the season are to remain undefeated at home, qualify for state, and come out of divisionals top 3 and win a plaque."