Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Hallie Neibauer, Chinook Volleyball

As high school volleyball gets underway on the Hi-Line, every team in the District 7C will look to rise to the top this fall. With many competitive volleyball matches set for the next few months, players such as Chinook's Hallie Neibauer look forward to playing against tough opponents this fall.

"(I look forward to) our competition that we have coming up. We have a lot of big district matches," Neibauer said. "They push us really hard and those are exciting matches."

Looking at the Sugarbbeeters' schedule, there are several matches that Neibauer looks forward to. She expects matches against the likes of Fort Benton and Highwood to be competitive outings. She also looks forward to a rematch with Big Sandy after Chinook lost to the Pioneers earlier in the season.

If the Sugarbeeters want to compete this fall, they will need players like Neibauer to play well. Neibauer is a junior who plays middle for the Sugarbeeters. She has been playing volleyball from a young age as she used to watch her older sisters play on the court. As she became older and got to high school, she learned from the older players on the team.

"They really brought me when I was a freshman and they helped me out during my varsity (years)," Neibauer said about the 2021 senior class. "I've watched them growing up a lot and they were a really big part of the player I am now."

Over the years, volleyball has become one of her favorite sports. As the middle, she enjoys playing a large role in the Chinook offense. Off the court, she has gotten to make invaluable friendships and memories over the course of her high school career.

Neibauer is a year-round athlete as she also competes in basketball and track and field for the Sugarbeeters. As a junior, she is not sure what her plans are after high school, but she wants to continue playing sports at the collegiate level somewhere in Montana.

Niebauer and the Chinook Sugarbeeters will next play Thursday night at home against Fort Benton. Before she gets back on the court to help her team, the Havre Daily News got the chance to ask Neibauer five questions.

HDN: As a middle, what are the responsibilities and difficulties of that position?

Neibauer: "The responsibilities are blocking all along the net, covering for the other hitters and staying out of the way for the hitter for sure. What's difficult is making sure you're always moving, watching the ball and where your other blockers are so you don't run into them."

HDN: What's the most important thing you have learned from volleyball?

Neibauer: "Definitely not getting in your head. Just get out and just have fun playing. It really takes you down when you get in your head."

HDN: Is volleyball your favorite sport to compete in?

Neibauer: "It's really between basketball and volleyball. I can get in my zone and being a part of that environment just gets me really going."

HDN: What do you like to do in your free time?

Neibauer: "Hang out with my friends and help my dad around the farm."

HDN: What are your responsibilities on the farm?

Neibauer: "Summer fallow, ride the tractor. I learned truck this year so that's pretty cool."