Senior Mia Wyse was not happy as a cheerleader in eighth grade, so she joined her friends who were playing volleyball.
“I remember that when I did cheer, I used to hate going. But once I started playing volleyball, I didn’t dread it – I actually loved being there,” Wyse said.
One of the main reasons for Wyse’s love for the sport is the team itself.
“All my friends played volleyball, so I wanted to start because they did,” Wyse said. “It’s really fun. I love playing overall, and all of my friends are on the team.”
Wyse started out as a setter, but throughout her volleyball career, she has mainly been a defensive specialist. This season, though, she stepped back into the role as a setter when the team needed one.
“As a setter, she controls the court, playing defense while knowing who to set at the right times,” junior Emma Pack said.
Not only is Wyse a player at Baldwin, but she has also played for multiple club volleyball teams in the past four years.
“I played for Sky Elite for three years, and then this past year, I played for Pitt Elite,” Wyse said.
Although Wyse has played for club teams the past four years, she will not continue to play volleyball after this high school season.
“I am actually not playing club this year. I am done with volleyball after this (Baldwin) season,” Wyse said.
This high school season, Wyse was chosen as a captain for the high school team due to her leadership on the court in past years.
“She’s a great leader, and she’s always calm on the court. She is honestly everything you think a captain should be,” junior Cameron Bowlus said.
Taking on this role has changed Wyse’s season, giving her more responsibility. With responsibility comes more pressure as well, as people depend on her and see her as a role model.
“Being a captain makes it different because people look up to me, and I help out more,” Wyse said.
In addition to being a skilled player, Wyse brings a positive attitude both on and off the court.
“She is always calm regardless of the score and takes the game seriously while still having fun and joking around,” Bowlus said.
