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Ernsbarger competes in coveted Missouri All-State volleyball game
Nevada High School star spiker Sydney Ernsbarger punctuated a phenomenal senior campaign with an invitation to the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association (MHSVCA) All-State Game.
The All-State Game, played Dec. 1 at Helias Catholic High School in Jefferson City, featured the top prep players in the state of Missouri.
Ernsbarger, a Class 3 All-State selection at the position of middle hitter, played a big role in Nevada’s 25-win season en route to signing a national letter-of-intent with NCAA D-2 Southwest Baptist University.
“It was definitely unexpected, but a true honor,” said Ernsbarger of her selection to the coveted competition, which entailed a nomination process.
Ernsbarger, who resides at the top of her class with a 4.0 grade point average, said her participation in the event would not have been possible without her teammates and coaches.
“In the sport of volleyball, it takes the whole team to succeed,” explained Ernsbarger, who led the Lady Tigers in several major statistical categories this past season. “I set many goals — both with my team and individually. We worked hard together to achieve them, and had a great season. It is a real compliment to be recognized by the Coaches Association as an All-State Player.”
Ernsbarger added that she soaked up the experience, with her squad winning three of five matches. The round-robin competition included four all-star teams, with each match lasting one set. The festivities also included a formal banquet and awards ceremony.
“It was a little bit of a challenge, learning to communicate with a (new) setter,” noted Ernsbarger. “No individual stats were kept, but I had a great time playing, and had several kills and blocks. We had an intense morning of practice, and then had the round-robin games that afternoon. I enjoyed getting to know my teammates from all parts of the state. We follow each other on social media, and plan to keep in touch beyond high school.”
Added Ernsbarger: “The main goal I had for myself this year was to stay aggressive at the net. As a middle, you cover a lot of territory, and sometimes keeping your momentum is hard. I worked on blocking and ball-placement every day, and led my team (NHS) in both blocks and kills. So I guess that shows where I’ve improved the most.”
Looking ahead, Ernsbarger said she hopes to have an impact on the Southwest Baptist volleyball team during her freshman campaign.
“I want to continue to learn all I can,” she said. “Playing- time is not guaranteed for anyone, so I plan to work hard and hopefully be able to contribute to an improving season next fall. SBU is switching to the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) next year, so it will be interesting to see how all the teams stack up.”
Prior to the move, SBU had competed in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) for the previous 30-plus years. The GLVC is a 15-team conference with schools from Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
“One thing I know for sure is that there is always room for improvement,” said Ernsbarger, the 2018 Big 8 Conference West division Player of the Year. “Even in just the few hours of practice at All-State, I learned new and helpful warm-up drills. Additionally, I will need to build on my time-management skills in order to balance the demands of life as a college athlete.”
With ideal height (6-foot-1) and athleticism, Ernsbarger said she anticipates remaining on the front row with SBU, spending time at middle blocker and right-side hitter.
“I will likely concentrate on (those two positions),” she said. “There are currently 14 members on the team, so I may have to prove myself, but I’m fine with that.”
Ernsbarger discussed the recruitment process, calling it a roller-coaster ride.
“Last year, I made a highlight video and posted it on Vimeo, then reached out to local D-2 coaches (via) e-mails with my sports resume. Many of them asked for full-game footage, which also had to be uploaded. The best decision was this past summer, I attended a coaching carousel and a couple of college camps — one being at SBU. That’s where I made connections with the other players and the coaches. (SBU) Coach (Caira) Dortch contacted me to see if I wanted to consider being a Bearcat. I had an official visit to SBU this fall, and immediately felt that it was the right place for me.”
Continued Ernsbarger: “There are many reasons why I chose SBU, the first being that they have my degree choice of Exercise Science. Additionally, they also have a Physical Therapy (graduate) program. Most of all, I liked the small-size atmosphere, and that it was away, but yet close to home. The Christian foundation was an added bonus.”
Ernsbarger, also a member of the NHS girls varsity basketball and track-and-field teams, said she has too many fond memories with the Lady Tiger volleyball team to pinpoint her No. 1 fondest memory.
“Overall, I would have to say it was great to play a sport I love, with classmates and friends that I’ve had since elementary school,” she said. “I will always be grateful for that, and the support I received from my family and friends in the stands.”
Ernsbarger began playing with competitive travel teams in sixth-grade, starting out with the Springfield-sponsored Lamar Xplosion. She later suited up for the MO-KAN Elite, Fort Scott Juniors, and Pittsburg, Kansas-based Star Aquila Silver. “This year, I’m looking forward to increasing my experience, and will be playing for Star Aquila Premier team,” she said.
Ernsbarger credits much of her success to her family, which includes parents Brent and Deborah, and older sister Morgan.
“Any success I have starts with my family,” said Ernsbarger. “They have always supported me in whatever I do, and have attended every volleyball game. I’m sure they will continue to do so next year at SBU. I feel very blessed to be able to play this sport, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it has given me.”
Summed up Ernsbarger: “Although it has changed a time or two, currently, I think I’d like to combine my love for athletics with my passion for serving people as a Physical Therapist. So, I will be taking coursework for a major in Exercise Science, and, hopefully continue with the SBU graduate program for Physical Therapy.”