Photo by Jared Craig
By Angela Brunk
Derby High School senior Ella Ediger is entering her final volleyball season ready to defend Derby’s side of the court. As the team’s libero, Ediger anchors the back row with grit and determination, always ready to dive, dig, and deliver for her teammates.
“My personal goal this season is to get touches on every ball,” Ediger shares. “As a team, our goal is to pull through in every game and finish strong as a team.” That mindset of persistence and teamwork drives not only her play, but the spirit of the entire team.
One game Ediger has circled on the calendar is the match up against Maize South. This game was an intense matchup that Derby was close to winning last season. “They have some really good players,” she says. “Hopefully we can beat them this year.”
Ediger’s hard work on defense hasn’t gone unnoticed. She earned an AVCTL Division I Honorable Mention and was ranked 8th in 6A for most digs. Both accomplishments she’s incredibly proud of. “I work hard on getting touches and digs, and I’ll keep doing that for my team this season,” she shared with Vype Magazine.
Off the court, Ediger competes in javelin and discus for Derby’s track and field team during the spring. After graduation, she plans to attend a junior college to continue her volleyball career while pursuing studies in business and marketing.
As she prepares to close out her high school volleyball journey, Ediger is focused on soaking up every moment. “I want to make the most out of my last year here and playing one last time together as a team,” she shared.
