Freshman Snyder already asset at net

The Lions Volleyball team has made significant additions to their team this year, with the most notable being the "Waco Kid," freshman Breanne Snyder.

Success is not new to the Woodway, Texas (outside of Waco), native. Her high school career included helping lead the Midway High School Panthers to an undefeated season in 4A District 8. Not only was she named the team's MVP as a junior and senior, but she was also named district MVP. Snyder has quickly become a staple to the Lions offense.

"It is a lot tougher than high school and what I was used to," Snyder said. "It is a lot faster so I have had to become quicker, jump higher, play better and focus on every point."

The move from Woodway to Commerce, like any new student, has presented the freshman with new challenges.

"I think the upperclassmen have helped me become a better teammate and athlete," Snyder said. "They have helped me grow as a person and as an athlete; they have made me better. I am in the middle and outside but I try to work with Rachael [Robertson] and try to learn from her because she is amazing."

Snyder has been a consistent leader offensively this season, only to be topped by the returning junior Rachael Robertson. She says that the adjustment to her schoolwork schedule is still a work in progress.

"I have had to get a planner and stick to that planner everyday because it is hard to manage time but it is worth it," she said. "We had to go on an eight hour trip this weekend and it was crazy. I had to do homework on the bus and in the hotel room but I'm doing pretty good; I haven't got behind yet."

She says that the team has taken the new youth in as their own.

"At first we were pretty shy, but now we know everybody's personality and we all get along great," Snyder said.

As the season progresses so do her numbers, starting the first two games with 5 and 7 kills each and culminating with her season high 22 kills on Sept. 10.

"Hopefully we win the rest of our games, it is going to take a lot of hard work but hopefully we can do it," she said.