Student-Athlete of the Week: Hannah Waldron

Hannah Waldron has erupted during her senior season for the Niwot girls volleyball team.

The four-year varsity player recorded her first-ever 10-kill game against Roosevelt on Oct. 5 and then proceeded to have back-to-back 14-kill performances against Frederick and Mountain View. She believes that much of her recent success can be credited to her teammates, including sophomore Anne Haley, who leads Niwot with 346 assists.

"My connection with Anne has been just really on fire," Waldron said. "The team is just coming together and working really well together, so that's helpful."

As of Oct. 16, the 10-4 Cougars have won six consecutive 3A/4A Longs Peak League matches with the help of Waldron's elite play.

Waldron has also found ways to contribute on defense. After totaling just three blocks in a limited role the past two seasons, she has racked up 15 through 38 sets played this year. Niwot head coach Tony Engel has been a major part of her improved blocking, she said.

"I've just been blocking more because of where I am on the court," Waldron said. "My coach and I, Tony, have been working really hard on blocking and getting better at blocking. We spend a lot of time on [it at] practice, at least for me."

While her work ethic has certainly helped, Waldron remained most appreciative of her teammates. Niwot has six other seniors on its roster and their camaraderie has been a literal game-changer.

"I definitely feel the most comfortable that I've felt on the court this year," Waldron said.

"It's partially just [veteran] experience, and then the team has just been really together and really surrounding each other and making it a good experience."

Leadership is critical to any program and Waldron believes it hasn't just come from one or two sources, but rather multiple players have taken charge. Waldron said she has personally focused on doing everything she can to not only positively impact varsity players, but the entire Niwot program.

Even though her own high school career is nearly complete, she still maintains a growth mindset.

"I'm looking at it as every time I'm on the court, it's an opportunity to get better and play the sport that I love," Waldron said. "Our team is really close and we genuinely love each other. I want to soak up that experience as much as I can."

Upon graduating, Waldron hopes to study English literature and education. She would even like to one day return to Niwot High as a teacher.

Waldron's Cougars are at Riverdale Ridge on Oct. 18 before competing in the Longs Peak League tournament at Mountain View on Oct. 22.