by Reese Dobson

Senior Riley Dobson takes her first serve of the season on the Jeff volleyball court. And tonight, she and her Red Devil teammates battle New Albany in sectionals.

Dobson is in her ninth year of volleyball, this being her last. ¨My personal goal of the season would probably be  to improve as a setter and be good at the serving line,¨ she said. 

Dobson attends an IUS teaching program for the first half of her day, follows up with three classes at school, and then attends volleyball practice. 

“I make sure I put school before sports and always make sure to represent the volleyball program highly while at school,” stated Dobson.

It’s important to come to practice with a good attitude even when youve had a long day, she explained.

Volleyball coach Wes Briscoe is in his fourth and last year of coaching Dobson. “She understands there is a certain way for things to be done, and she is always trying to evolve and be better as a player.” 

Dobson has type 1 diabetes. This affects her everyday life, including volleyball. Dobson’s teammate, junior Mattie Barker, also has type 1 diabetes. This creates a shared bond between the two players.

“Both of us having diabetes is helpful because we can help each other with our blood sugar and look out for each other while playing,” said Barker.

Dobson balances a lot in her everyday life, but always puts her best foot forward when it comes to volleyball. 

On the court, Dobson usually plays the libero or a backrow position. Recently, she has had to step up and play the setter position. 

“The most challenging thing I have faced while playing high school volleyball is probably switching from libero position to setter position because that’s what the team needed,” Dobson explained. 

Dobson has said that the team has a very good and close bond. “I am going to miss Riley so much when she graduates because she is one of my best friends on and off the court. She is my pepper partner and who I look up to and go to for help,” Barker said.

“Riley has improved throughout these four years, and she has learned to play every position. Libero, setter, and I think even accidentally a middle hitter one time,” Briscoe joked.

Dobson said she has learned that volleyball is always a team sport and you have to do what’s best for your team.

Dobson has played volleyball all her life, along with other sports. She said that she began playing volleyball in elementary school and just stuck with it because she had so much fun playing.

“I have learned that you really have to work for what you want and that not everything is handed to you; showing up does matter.”

Dobson said that being present at every practice, game, and tournament has helped her learn to be a better, reliable player. 

“The most enjoyable thing about playing with Riley is having her push me and help me be my best on and off the court,” Barker said.

Dobson’s team goal for this season is to put a good game up with rival team New Albany and hopefully pull out a win. 

“I really am proud of this team and hope that we can have a good season and show everyone how hard we have worked.”