Q&A with Normal West volleyball player, Morehead State commit Sydney Sennett
NORMAL, Ill. — Sydney Sennett and the Normal West High School Wildcats are coming off a special season that ended with the Class 3A third-place trophy in their hands at Redbird Arena. Sennett, a senior setter who is bound for Morehead State University next year, is back for more.
What is your favorite thing about being on the volleyball court?
Sydney Sennett: My favorite thing about the volleyball court is learning the strategy of the game so I can set my team up for success. I enjoy trying to figure out the opponent’s strength and weakness and strategizing a game plan to come out with a win.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Sennett: Growing up, I played soccer and basketball, but I enjoy playing any sport with my siblings. I also love going boating with friends and family.
When you close your eyes and dream about your future, what does that look like?
Sennett: I see myself graduating high school, then playing at Morehead State University for a very successful program. I’m not sure what I want my job to be yet, but I see myself continuing to do something with athletics.
Ask someone in your family to pick one word to describe you.
Sennett: I picked a very important family member to describe me and that person is my mom. She chose the word strong and said “She is strong in her faith, in her values and her character. She is strong physically, mentally, athletically and continues to push herself to grow and get stronger in all ways!”
As an athlete, what is a rule you live by?
Sennett: Something I live by and constantly remind myself of is not to settle. I take this not only into practice every day, but also into school and life. I want to be my best self all the time. I know I have to be the one to hold my self accountable first before anyone else.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from volleyball?
Sennett: One that stands out is learning how to communicate with other people. Especially in my position as a setter, I need to be able to work with many different types of personalities and skill levels. I have taken this lesson into my everyday life by learning how to communicate with adults, friends at school, the people I work with, and so many others. Being able to communicate with people is such an important life lesson and for me it started on the volleyball court.
How would you describe your personality?
Sennett: I’m a determined but also an easy-going person. I am kind and would do anything to make someone smile. I make sure I find the joy in life.
What is your plan after high school? Describe the reasons why you are making this choice.
Sennett: After high school I am going to Morehead State University to continue playing volleyball. I chose MSU because of its family environment and the successful program. I knew Morehead was special from the very first call. The more I learned about the school, the easier my decision became.
What song on your playlist has been played the most?
Sennett: I have been listening to “I Would” by One Direction. It’s a song that makes me smile and has always been on my playlist. Who doesn’t love 1D!
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
Sennett: During my sophomore volleyball season, I dove incorrectly for a ball and dislocated my shoulder and was out for three months. I was worried I would need surgery but got lucky because I just needed physical therapy. I spent that whole summer trying to get back to 100 percent, so I could be ready for my junior season. With many prayers and my family to help me along the way, I came back stronger than I was before.
Describe last season’s state tournament run and how it will impact the Wildcats’ goals for the 2022 season?
Sennett: Last year’s season was a season I will never forget and will go down in history at Normal West. It was the farthest our program has ever gone. My team and I took it one game at a time and knew that we were making history along the way. State was something that was always in the back of our head throughout the year, and we knew if we pushed ourselves everyday it could happen. When we finally stepped on the court to play at Illinois State University for our first round at state, we knew that we had accomplished our goal for the season. I think that experience will have such a big impact on us this coming season because now we know what it takes to make it as far as we did last year.
Do you have a pregame ritual you always do?
Sennett: Before every game, I like to do at least 5 minutes of visualization. It could be warming up or in the locker room. Just picturing myself competing and trying to strategize so we can be successful. I have been doing this for a few years, and it has helped so much with my play. This makes me feel more calm and confident when I play and I think it is something that I will take with me into college.
What is your favorite memory from high school, on or off the court? Describe.
Sennett: My favorite memory was last season when we won our super-sectional game. The gym was packed with fans, and we knew we had to play our best game to win. The feeling after we won and knowing that we were going to state was unmatched. It was the best feeling knowing that our goal from the beginning of the season was finally accomplished. Then, after the game, celebrating with my team with big smiles on our faces is something that I will never forget.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Sennett: I have had so much advice thrown my way over the years but one has stuck with me, “if you want something, it doesn’t just happen.” This is the first thing my dad told me when I started playing sports. He wouldn’t let me give myself excuses or blame others. Instead, he would say if you want to be better you have to work for it. I have taken this advice throughout my volleyball career and it has changed me. This advice makes me want to work harder and take every opportunity to get better. This advice applies to my goals at school as well. Good grades won’t happen unless I make it happen. This advice was hard to hear at first but now I am truly grateful for it! I am blessed to have this advice from someone I look up to so much and to be able to take it with me and apply it in everything I do.
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