Is there someone that you know that always has advice that is effective for you? A senior at New Hartford High School, Leah Brennan, is a star player on the Varsity New Hartford Volleyball Team who is known for having good time management, but putting her all into every sport she plays. Leah holds her head up high, gives advice to her teammates, and strives to be a role model on and off the court.
Leah has been playing volleyball since 7th grade, but plays all year round. She plays on a club team along with her high school team and attends every practice for volleyball, in season and off season. The New Hartford Volleyball team is undefeated (4-0) so far, and it has been a great start to Leah’s senior season. Leah mentions how her team all shows up for each other and explains how the effort is there.
“Our team is very close, and we are always fighting everything together on and off the court,” Leah explains.
“The team contributes majorly throughout the whole year because everyone puts in 100% at all times.”
The sport brought not only friendships, but also a family to Leah and she couldn’t be more grateful for the past years she’s spent with her teammates. Leah also mentions how her coach, Coach Gardiner,strives to make each player the best they can be. She also how he pushes to see each player reach their full potential.
Madison Freiburger, a graduate from New Hartford High School, describes her experience playing on the Varsity volleyball team at New Hartford with Leah.
“Leah was/is a major contributor to the team,” Madison states. “She always shows up to practices, even in the off season and puts in the work, enhancing her skill and showing her dedication to the team.”
Madison went above and beyond to explain Leah as a person. She talks about the positivity Leah brings to the team and to any situation that needs it. Not only does Leah have a ton of warmth about her, but she always sees the good in everyone. Leah is never the first to judge anyone and this is what makes people be able to have lots of trust in her. She never fails to prove her loyalty toward her friendships and it never goes unnoticed.
“Leah is very competitive, that is something I always appreciated about her,” Madison says. “It is good to have someone with the similar goal of winning as your teammate, so it can actually happen.”
Not only is Leah very dedicated to her sport, but also she is also very good at it. Madison talks very highly about the skill and talent Leah brings to the sport. Even in challenging situations, Leah is reliable and able to put the ball away with a strong block or a tough kill.
One of Madison’s favorite things about Leah was the comfort she always brought toward their friendship. She was always best at calming nerves and giving huge hugs.
“No matter how little it sounds, it means a lot,”Madison shares. “Just to know that someone is there was very special and important. This is definitely something I miss most about being her teammate.”
A junior and athlete at New Hartford High School, Keegan Matthews who also plays on the New Hartford volleyball team, talks about Leah being a key factor to their team’s success and how she admires Leah as a person.
“Leah is always super sweet and makes sure to talk to and include everyone,” Keegan states.
Like Madison, Keegan clarifies that Leah has multiple strengths while playing volleyball. She is able to adapt to lots of different spots on the court and achieve tipping points too. It has come to be common to notice the dedication Leah has applied to this sport and her determination to never let her team down.
“I see a strong leader that pushes others to do better,” Keegan states.
Over and over, Leah is described as a dedicated, team player. Her teammates look up to her and strive to have the same determined mindset. Leah never fails to share her positive mindset and inspire the people she surrounds herself with.
