To hit the 1,000 assist milestone in a volleyball career is a major achievement, but notching 2,000 assists is something that puts you high up in the state record books.
This is exactly what Payton VanSickle did recently against Northwestern, and her strong play setting the ball for Loudonville has earned her Athlete of the Week honors.
Coach Jackie Arnold said the senior setter is not only her team captain, but a workhorse who would “go through a brick wall” for the team.
VanSickle is constantly filling the stat sheet for the Redbirds, piling on assists and digs while adding kills when needed.
Against Lucas she had 21 digs, 25 assists, five kills, five serving points and an ace. She followed with another excellent match against Crestline, recording 31 assists, eight digs, three kills, six serving points and an ace in the win. Against Triway she recorded 16 assists and nine digs, along with a pair of kills despite a sweep loss. She then helped the Redbirds to a 3-1 win over Orrville to bounce back and get into the winning column.
Vansickle has been integral in the success this year for Loudonville, as the team is 10-8 but riding a 7-1 record in Mid-Buckeye conference play which is good for first. The senior has provided stability on a team that has new faces in the lineup trying to find consistency and momentum as the season wears on.
“The fact that she comes to practice every day with her work hat on and never slacks,” said Coach Arnold. “She busts her butt and expects everyone else to do the same. She holds herself to higher expectations than others and leads by example. She always is pushing her teammates. There is never an off day for Payton VanSickle. She got her 1,000th assist last season and now she has her 2,000th . She will be in the OHSAA record books by the end of this season for career assists. She needs 2,203 to get in there and she has 2,129.”
Congratulations to Payton and good luck the rest of your senior season!
