Dominican seniors Hannah McGowan and Sarah Wild were honored with the All-State Volleyball Award in January. McGowan and Wild join select volleyball players nominated by coaches from across the state.
This unique title is given to seniors in high school who exhibit an extraordinary talent in volleyball. Member of the Louisiana Volleyball Coaches Association select which students will win the award, choosing only fifty players in the state.
Smack! Executing a jump serve, senior Hannah McGowan, the team’s ace leader, serves the ball to the Mount Carmel Cubs to score a point. As part of the Pink Game series highlighting Breast Cancer Awareness, DHS faced the MCA in October. (Photo by Barberito)
“Sarah and Hannah were not only leaders of our team, but they were both able to bring key elements to the court for us” said Mrs. Jessica Chatellier, volleyball coach. Both players’ statistics contributed to the team’s successful season.
McGowan had an amazing season. She was this year’s ace leader and racked up 319 digs for the season. Her athletic abilities led the volleyball team to many victories against tough competitors.
Additionally, McGowan has made her mark throughout her volleyball career. Her performance earned her the title of Ms. Louisiana Volleyball for 2017. Also, She was inducted into the Dominican 1,000 Kills Club. In volleyball, kills are attacks that are not returnable. McGowan secured her spot on the 1,000 Kills Club with a total of 1,294 career kills.
McGowan considers winning the All-State award a huge honor because “most players in my position are 6’0 ft or taller, and I’m only 5’9.” She believes that winning the award helped to boost her confidence in her skills and abilities on and off the court. McGowan will continue her volleyball career at Bethel University, where she received an athletic scholarship.
Just as McGowan led the team, alongside her was Wild, who was both a team leader and versatile player on the team. Wild began playing volleyball at the age of 6, so her love for the game began when she was quite young.
Mine! Senior Sarah Wild jumps to spike the ball against Mount Carmel Academy during the annual Pink Game in the Siena Center Gym in October. As the assist set leader, Wild keeps Cubs from scoring. (Photo by Barberito)
She displayed her passion for the sport through her active role on the team. “Sarah played many roles for our team. She was able to play multiple positions for us along the front row, as well as setting for us while she was in the back row,” said Mrs. Chatellier.
Wild was this year’s assist leader, contributing 538 assists and 304 kills for the season. Her talents were a tremendous aid in many of the games. Having the ability to play multiple positions while leading the team made her the perfect candidate for the All-State award. In addtion, Wild was named to the All-Metro team.
Both girls demonstrate a true talent and love for the sport. McGowan is thankful for volleyball’s life lessons. “I learned a lot from playing volleyball that will help me throughout life,” she said. “Team work, hard work and dedication.”
– In’ziya Magee
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