Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Daisy Willis’ passion for volleyball began at a young age. “My love for volleyball started when I was seven, and I was watching a middle school volleyball game, and I told my mom, ‘I want to do that,’” recalled Willis. “She got me started with rec volleyball and later club volleyball. I have loved it ever since.”

When she began playing, Willis made a quick transition.

“I first got comfortable playing volleyball when I started club volleyball at age 8 and learned the basics and how to be a team player,” said Willis. “I've met some of my best friends while playing volleyball.”

Today, the junior is the Wildcats’ setter, a position she transitioned to from a middle blocker in middle school. Heading into this week’s play, Willis recorded 182 serving aces and had nine serving errors, producing a 94.1 serving percentage.

For Willis, switching to setter has been a monumental one.

“I have played setter for RHHS since freshman year when I decided I wanted to take on a new role for my team,” said Willis. “Before that, I was a middle blocker and setter for my club teams. Being a setter is my real love. I am proud to be the setter for my team.”

Head coach Danielle Ennis has relished watching Willis’ development.

“When she came to me her freshman year, she wasn't a setter,” noted Ennis. “I saw this as the perfect role for her. I told her we needed her and she worked very hard to master this position. This says a lot about the kind of player and teammate she is.”

Moving up from middle school, Willis knew there would be some obstacles ahead.

“The transition between Junior Varsity and Varsity has been a challenge, having to adjust not only to faster plays but also higher stakes and standards,” explained Willis. “My teammates have made the transition easier. We are always there to support each other.”

Fellow juniors and longtime teammates Makayla Jimenez and Raeden Sander have made her transition smoother and easier.

“The most memorable moment I've had while playing volleyball is getting to grow up with my teammates,” said Willis. “I have played with Rae and Makalya since sixth grade. There are even girls on opposing teams that I have known since we were 10. Volleyball has given me so many friends and so many memories.”

And her friends have definitely contributed to her success this season, Willis says.

“I think that I had a good start to the season because of the connection I have with my teammates,” said Willis. “They are not just teammates but also my friends. We have a very good connection, and we all work well together with our other teammates both on and off the court.”

In Willis’ family, sports have been a constant. Her twin brother, David, plays baseball, and her father, Chris, ran cross-country and is a baseball coach at RHHS.

“Athletics is part of who I am,” said Willis. “I enjoy playing, and I enjoy my teammates and working with them to get better every day.”

Outside of volleyball, Willis is an avid reader.

“I really love to read books,” said Willis. “My favorite genres are young adult literature, romance, and fantasy. If I am not playing volleyball, I am reading a book. I've already read 30 books this year.”

When she is playing volleyball, Willis has taken a business-like approach on the court.

“Daisy may be one of our quieter players, but her impact on this team speaks volumes,” said Ennis. “Over the past few seasons, she has really grown into her role as a setter and become an integral part of the Richmond Hill volleyball program.

“She has gained confidence, learned to lead in her own way, and has become someone her teammates can rely on. She is working on her consistency and defense to give Richmond Hill a better chance at success.”