Last year, Hinton senior Bailey Boeve had her season end prematurely when she tore her ACL and MCL midway through the volleyball season.
Now, as she gets ready for her senior season, Boeve reflected on that injury that kept her off the court last year. She immediately remembers being aware of the severity of her injury.
The blessing that came from that disappointing injury was a new perspective for Boeve. She had been one of the top players in the state and never got an opportunity to just sit and watch the game be played at a high level. She says that perspective helped her in knowing that everyone has a role to make the team click.
While she was still on the sideline supporting her team, rehab work began to try and get the knee healthy for a full senior season. That rehab was hard at times, but Boeve says she had great support around her to push her through the tough days.
Boeve got to see minimal live action with her travel team at summer national tournaments recently. While that action was limited heavily, Boeve says getting to be back on the court doing what she loves was really uplifting.
The injury has not just given Boeve a new perspective on the game, but it has also given her a new perspective on effort and intensity. Prior to the injury, it would have been easy for Boeve to take a few drills or points off here and there due to fatigue. Now that she has one year left to compete for her hometown, Boeve says she is looking to make the most of every last opportunity.
The opportunities in front of Hinton volleyball this year could be pretty lofty. Boeve says she and the senior class are motivated to get this team back to the level of competition it was at two years ago when it played for a state title.
Hinton’s 2025 season begins this Saturday in Orange City at a tournament hosted by Unity Christian.
