"It's like being a quarterback, you're involved with every play and you're touching the ball every time it comes over the net," said Myers, the Vikings' setter the last three years. "I like the responsibility that goes with it."
Myers began her career as a hitter -- "I was pretty tall, about 5-foot-8, so they had me playing up at the net," she said -- before coaches realized they could exploit her athleticism as a setter.
She switched positions during her freshman year and was promoted to the varsity as a sophomore. She's been the steadying influence in Johansen's program the last two years, and last year was an all-Stanislaus District setter.
"I try to recognize where hitters want the ball, because each one is a little different," Myers pointed out. "Skill levels is also a factor, because in club ball, the hitters are usually able to get up higher and can react quickly."
Despite Myers' individual success, the Vikings have struggled as a team and have missed the section playoffs the last two seasons.
"Our passing has improved," Myers said. "I love volleyball and it's important that we enjoy playing as a team. It would certainly be nice to make the playoffs. Hopefully we'll get there."
Though the 5-10 Myers is Johansen's setter, she fills a variety of roles. She averaged 25 assists per match as a junior, along with 8.8 blocks, 4.4 aces and 6.5 kills.
"When I was a freshman, I had to decide whether I would play water polo or volleyball," Myers said. "My sister Natalie played volleyball, and I think my body is better for volleyball, so those helped me make the decision."
Myers is hoping to play beyond high school, but has another season of club volleyball before going to college. If she does land a roster spot on a college team -- college recruiters focus more on club ball than high school matches -- she expects to stay a setter.
"It's difficult to play a second sport when you're in club volleyball, because we're usually in tournaments three weekends a month," said Myers, who has played for the Extreme of Modesto and the Valley Girls of Turlock. "It's very competitive, however, and I like the competition."
Bee staff writer Richard T. Estrada can be reached at restrada@modbee.com or 578-2300.
