The score may change, the situation may change and the role may change, but Eva Wilson’s approach remains the same. The Jackson County senior has embraced her final season by staying composed, embracing whatever role the Blue Devils need and finding ways to make an impact.
Jackson County Blue Devils senior Eva Wilson is anchoring the school’s volleyball program this season by prioritizing personal composure and a steady presence on the court.
Wilson said her focus during her final year of high school competition is playing her own game regardless of the actions of other players. Wilson said she concentrates on performing her specific role to the best of her ability to keep the team moving forward.
“This year it’s all about composure,” Wilson said. “You’ve just got to play your game, don’t worry about what anyone’s doing on either side of the court, whether it be in mine or theirs and just do what I can do as well as I can do and keep pushing.”
Wilson said maintaining a positive impact on the court is more valuable than taking risks that lead to errors. Wilson said she would prefer to keep the ball in play and remain even rather than recording a high number of mistakes.
“Two wrongs don’t fix anything,” Wilson said. “You’d rather be even than a negative. If I’m getting one kill for every four mistakes, I’d rather have five balls sent over the net that don’t score.”
Wilson said her defensive strategy involves reading the opposing hitter and pursuing every ball that enters her area. Wilson said when she moves to the front line, she analyzes the opposing team’s blockers and coverage to find and attack their weaknesses.
“I think it’s important to love on the kids, it’s not about the sport, it’s about having good memories because I don’t care if we win every game if everyone’s miserable it didn’t mean anything,” Wilson said.
Wilson said her experience as a senior has allowed her to remain calm during critical rallies or matches. Wilson said the score of the game does not change her internal approach to the competition.
“There’s no pressure,” Wilson said. “We could be down by 20 or up by 20 and it’s still the same for me.”
