Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
Throughout her volleyball career at Richmond Hill, Alexa Anderson has battled through her share of possible setbacks. And at 5-4, she isn’t exactly your typical-sized volleyball player. But Anderson, who will begin her senior season this fall, has never let her height diminish her ambitions.
“There were many coaches who didn’t believe in me,” reminisced Anderson. “ They never thought I could be capable of playing as well as other players in my position. Every time I stepped onto the court, I knew that they thought I would never meet their expectations, which hurt more than I would like to admit.”
But Anderson, who will begin her senior season this fall, has never let her size deter her destinations.
“I learned early on that volleyball wasn’t going to come easily to me,” stated Anderson. “For a very long time, I had to decide if I was going to let that discourage me or push me to be the best version of myself.”
A presumed disadvantage suddenly became an advantage for her.
“Volleyball had taught me what it meant to be overlooked,” added Anderson. “I’m 5’4’’, which is shorter than most of the other players, and in a game where height is what usually gets you noticed, I was easily overlooked.
“But instead of letting it drag me down, it motivated me even more. I started showing up earlier, leaving later, and pushing myself more and more every day. Every rep, every drill, and every practice and game was my way to prove to them that I belonged on that court, regardless of my height.”
Then during the last game of her sophomore season, Anderson faced a major setback. Before the game in warmups, She dislocated her right kneecap, resulting in a cartilage tear. Anderson endured medial patella femoral ligament replacement.
“As I leaned into the stretch, I felt my kneecap shift before the pain even kicked in,” recalled Anderson. “ I remember staring up at the ceiling, bright lights beaming on my face, and tearing up while realizing that something I had spent years fighting for had just been taken away before the game even started.
“At that moment, I thought of my dad and how he would carry the weight of his patients' fear in some of their hardest moments, and I had that fear thinking if I would ever step back onto the court the same way again.”
Fortunately for Anderson and the Wildcats, she was back on the court last year. An outside hitter, Anderson recorded 211 digs, second on the team; and 41 aces and 130 kills, which both were third on the team last season.
Head coach Danielle Ennis knew that Anderson’s height wouldn’t impede her game. She wouldn’t be overlooked.
“She had a great vertical!” said Ennis. “ Her athleticism really helps her to seem bigger than her small stature. She has really hung right with girls taller than her at the net.”
Ennis also has appreciated Anderson’s grit and will to succeed.
“Alexa Anderson is a true competitor who can be counted on in any situation,” said Ennis. “Her versatility allows her to make an impact in every aspect of the game.
“She is one of the most reliable players on the court, consistently performing at a high level regardless of the challenge. Her toughness and resilience set the standard for the team. She never backs down and always finds a way to contribute. A complete volleyball player who excels in multiple roles and makes those around her better.”
The head coach also is well aware of Anderson’s stability and dependability.
“Consistency is her trademark,” said Ennis. “Teammates and coaches know exactly what they will get from her every day: effort, determination, and results.
Her willingness to do whatever the team needs demonstrates outstanding leadership and selflessness. She is mentally and physically tough; she rises to the occasion in pressure situations and leads by example.”
Anderson began playing volleyball in sixth grade when a travel team coach asked her to try out. She has been playing travel volleyball for six years, the last two with the Savannah Volleyball Elite.
One of her fondest club memories was playing in the Southern Region Volleyball Association (SRVA) tournament in Wisconsin last year.
“We won third place,” said Anderson.”It was the first time I played Libero opposed to a six row outside. It was a great experience there.”
As far as the Wildcats, Anderson believes her team will continue to develop their chemistry into the upcoming season.
“As one of the returning starters from last year, I see my role as a leader on this team,” stressed Anderson. “ Our goal is to focus on growing together as there are only five returning players from last year’s team. Being a short, sixth-row, outside hitter, I have to continue to work on my hitting. learning to hit around blocks, and good ball placement.
“I feel like our school team has a lot of work to do over the summer. However, we are dedicated to putting the work in”
Her parents, Jerrod and Ariel, have been her driving force behind the scenes.
“My parents have had the biggest influence on my volleyball career,” stressed Anderson. “They have been very supportive, and keep supporting me in my dream of playing college volleyball.”
Taking her game to the next level is a major priority for Anderson going forward.
“I want to play college volleyball next year, but I am not sure where yet,” said Anderson. “I could definitely see coaching in my future, I love the game and it has been a huge part of my life.”