Star on the Rise: Kelly Ziegler
No one expected this rising star’s light to shine so bright.
Kelly Ziegler is a name not many knew coming into the 2018 season. If you do now, it’s too late. A libero who found herself in the mix of a senior heavy squad last season in a limited defensive role, is now experiencing a season of out of this world play.
Photo by Sports Finest MagazineThe 5’3 libero is a player not many coaches expected to show up, except for coach Amy Cuthrell. 2018 looked to be a down season for the Red Hawks. The squad losing five highly awarded starters including impressive All-GTW libero Baylee Murphy. Last season, saw Murphy post fantastic numbers including 902 digs and 528 receptions. Losing such a commodity, many coaches dream to have a replacement for a talent like that.
For Cuthrell, this dream is a reality, commenting on the current star: “Kelly is of no surprise to me nor is she a secret now. We have yet to attend a weekend tournament where unknown teams to us have commended her on her play. She was waiting in the wings for this libero position to open upon graduation and she is enjoying every minute of this opportunity.”
Last season saw the up-and-comer show glimpses of danger. In her first outing on the highly competitive varsity squad as a junior, she found a way into the lineup early on, beating out passers from the 2018 class. Her court awareness, ball control and her aggressiveness was key to her playing.
“Kelly will sacrifice herself for the play. She is quick and mindful of situations and is willing to lay it all out for her team.” Cuthrell continued, “Kelly picks up tendencies and at this level that is a critical part of high school volleyball. (Ziegler) is fearless and does not allow any opponent get into her head. She wants the offense to begin with her.”
Photo by Sports Finest MagazineZiegler would go on to rank fourth on the teams in digs. Her contribution to the team helped the Hawks to a 10-week streak amongst the MHSAA Top 10 rankings in Class C. In her rookie outing, she posted 200 digs, 122 receptions and 30 aces.
Since Ziegler’s promotion to captain of the defense, she has seemed to flourish in her role. Leading her team to a 12-8-0 record so far on the year. All the losses coming from top notch D1/D2 teams (Davison and Livonia Stevenson) or ranked D3 teams (Millington and Unionville-Sebewaing). All of these teams having to work for their wins though with this stud in the back court. Nothing was given.
When asked about her newfound success and praise from opposing coaches, it only pushes the libero to be better. “The compliments I get from other coaches are great, they push me to want to continue and keep getting better. It makes me more determined to become the best libero I can.”
So far, Kelly Ziegler has been putting on a showcase on what exactly an amazing libero is. Her play speaks volumes of exactly this, as the senior is averaging 9.74 digs/set and 5.55 receptions/set. She’s been a game changer this season many times, including an upset victory over the Reese Rockets. In a 5-set victory for the Hawks, the Rockets would find themselves unable to put many balls away as Ziegler popped up 67 digs in the match along with 42 serve receptions. She has become the heartbeat to the Cass City team.
“This year is challenging, but exciting”, the libero spoke on the season, “We lost a lot of good players last year, but we have a lot of good players that are new this year. We all have good chemistry, it’s been exciting to find ourselves as a team and get better together. I like coming in as the underdog.”
Photo by Sports Finest MagazineSo far in her senior campaign, the star has been posting astronomical numbers. Only half way through the 2018 season, she has more than doubled her stats from a season ago. Kelly has already recorded 516 digs and 294 serve receptions, to go along with 6 aces.
Her impressive play is not all the starlet brings to the table. As Coach Cuthrell raved of the player’s character. “Kelly impressed me in her early years of volleyball. (Ziegler) is an incredible work horse and is willing to better herself by putting in the time. She has a lot of energy and taming that energy into a specific focus has made her the elite player she is.” Cuthrell continued, “Outside of her play, Kelly brings the humor to the team. Kelly is likely the giggle I hear at practice. She is a poster child for what future volleyball passers should want to be as she makes what seems difficult look rather easy.”