Setter Spotlight: Rylee Fay, Liberty High School

Liberty High is the new program on the block with their school relatively new and their first year of playing in Class 5A.  And what an impact they are having so far this season off to a 20-1 record and a number two rankings in Class 5A.  Rylee Fay is part of our "Setter Spotlight" where she talks about how she got into volleyball, what it's like being a part of an upstart program, and some fun questions as well.  Fay will continue her volleyball career at Missouri State following her high school career. 

How has volleyball become a family affair for you with your sister playing as well? 

My sister, Maddie, started playing volleyball at a very young age with her friends and at that time I was focusing on competitive gymnastics and basketball.  Every day Maddie and her friends would ask me to pepper with them and every day I said no until one day they really needed someone to fill in. I started joining in with them every day at that point, but told my sister and her friends I would never play volleyball...and now here I am :) Once I started playing I couldn't stop. 

How has your game evolved since your Freshman year of high school? 

My freshman year, Coach Randy Dolson put me on the Varsity and I truly believe I am the player I am today because of his belief in my skills to compete and play with a talented varsity roster. I played with some of the best players in the state that year and made my way into the lineup during our Regional Final game where our team earned a trip to State. Not only did my teammates make me a better player on the court but they made me a better leader as well.  I learned what it meant to be a leader and what it took to be one as well. I knew that once I was an upperclassman I would want players to look up to me just like I looked up to the Seniors I played with that year. I got to play with my sister (Maddie Fay - now at South Dakota State) that year and the takeaways I have from that year taught me not to take anything for granted and cherish each and every moment. I'll never forget the memories I have from my freshman year and I'm glad that coach Dolson gave me the opportunities he did because it's been a huge part of my evolvement as a player and person.

What is it like being apart of a new and upcoming program at Liberty?

It's truly amazing and I'm very grateful to be a part of this team and this community. It's been so much fun! Of course it's fun to win, but it's even better to win with some of my best friends – my teammates. We are having a great season and I'm really excited for the rest of the season.

What skills are important to you not only as a setter, but being a leader on the court? 

Being a positive role model, good communication with your teammates and coaches, make good decisions, stepping up your game when needed and being able to motivate your teammates 

Just For Fun

Dream Job: 

2nd or 3rd grade teacher and a volleyball coach

Go To Netflix/TV Show: 

The Walking Dead

Favorite App:

TikTok

Favorite Class:

Math 

If you could change one rule in volleyball, what would it be? 

I would change the rule so Libero's are able to set in front of the 10 foot line.

One Place You Want To Travel:

Italy

If you could set one attacker for a guaranteed kill, who would you pick (High school, college, olympian, pro, anyone)? 

Aliyah Carter (Dubuque Wahlert) - After playing 3 years of High Performance and 1 year of club together I can always count on Aliyah to get the job done whatever the situation. It's been a fun 4 years playing with such a stud!  

Advice to anyone who wants to be a setter: 

Be a leader on and off the court, always strive to make everyone around you better, keep your hands high, know what your hitters like to hit, square up and practice, practice, practice