Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week
Name: Hannah Greene
School: Fort Cherry
Class: Senior
Sport: Volleyball
Greene’s week: The Cleveland State commit collected 18 digs, 10 blocks and 11 kills in a 3-1 win over Chartiers-Houston, and followed with nine kills, two aces, 18 digs, and five blocks in a 3-1 win over Avella, helping to keep the Rangers (9-0, 10-0) undefeated and atop Section 4-A.
Moving around: Though the six-footer began her high school career as a middle hitter, amassing blocks and kills on the front line, as a junior, Greene began rotating to back row.
“That’s why I have digs now,” she said.
According to Greene, taller players usually don’t get the chance to play the back row. The opportunity to freelance in other areas of the court – middle hitter is still Greene’s “base” position – excited her and took some practice getting used to.
“It was definitely different because I didn’t go out of the game after my third rotation,” she said. “But it wasn’t that much of a change because as a volleyball player you should know how to pass.”
Stepping up: While Greene hasn’t had to make additional position tweaks in her final high school season, she has taken on more responsibility in other ways. Fort Cherry graduated three seniors, two of whom were captains, from its 2015 team. Greene knew she wanted to take over for them. Often times, she said, she’ll stop practice if she sees something off, draw attention to whatever it is and practice that specific set until it’s done right.
“I just love helping people,” Greene said, “and love seeing reactions when they learn something new or when they finally accomplish something that just makes my heart so full.”
While she’s often vocal on the court, Greene said she doesn’t scream.
“I don’t think anyone comprehends things that way,” she said.
Collective effort: While Greene plays at the club level for Pittsburgh Elite, not all of her school teammates do. She has been pleasantly surprised by the dedication to improving the Rangers have shown.
“You usually don’t see that much effort put into it,” she said, noting players regularly stay after practice to get more reps.
A big part of the team’s success, Greene said, are the contributions by younger players. One of the players who graduated a year ago was the team’s starting setter. Her replacement is only a sophomore and her backup is a freshman.
“There’s always work to be done,” Greene said, “(but) they’ve definitely made improvements, like crazy improvements.”
Chasing fabric: In the Fort Cherry gym, there’s a banner denoting undefeated regular seasons by Rangers teams. Girls volleyball isn’t up there.
“Every single day at practice we’re like, ‘This is what we’re trying to get,'” Greene said.
Fort Cherry has five regular-season matches remaining, including one at defending state champion Bishop Canevin, which the Rangers swept two weeks ago. Fort Cherry has a season finale against Chartiers-Houston at home. Fort Cherry shared the Section 4-A title with the Buccaneers last season.
“This year, we want it just for ourselves,” Greene said.
Compiled by Jasper Wilson