Hannah Mishler splits her time between going on stage as a dancer and playing on the court as a volleyball player.
“Well, during volleyball, I also do competitive dance,” Mishler said.
As a senior captain, Mishler needs her team by her side.
Participating in both sports simultaneously demonstrates the true impact of a team. In dance, a routine might be a solo, a duo or a trio, lasting roughly three minutes. In volleyball, you’re on the court playing with mostly the same people for about an hour. Being able to do that with your team means you go through many different emotions and difficult situations together.
“I love volleyball more because I get to be a part of a team consecutively,” Mishler said. “I like how volleyball is different in that way, how you’re consecutively touching each other, communicating with each other, and just having fun.”
While other teams may face drama or a tense atmosphere, Mishler’s team is filled with inside jokes, traditions, and fun. The closeness and being able to enjoy the time together are what make the volleyball team special.
“This team’s general energy and the connection that we have on the court and off the court is what makes us special,” Mishler said. “We see each other seven days a week, usually, so we tend to learn each other’s likes and tendencies.”
When you’re with the team all day, everybody needs to be comfortable with each other. Especially as a captain, approachability is key.
“Someone who is approachable is someone who would be a great captain,” Mishler said. “I wouldn’t want a captain that you feel afraid of going to. You want someone who you can go to if you feel sad or happy, just someone who you feel comfortable with sharing your feelings about the game or anything overall.”
Mishler’s favorite team memory was during her sophomore year at the NVL.
“Being on the floor my sophomore year,” Mishler said. “Just feeling that adrenaline rush and everyone just piling on top of each other after we won is a moment I would go back to any day.”
