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Shank Dug the Court as An All-Hammonasset Athlete

As the Guilford volleyball team ascended the SCC ladder with its 13 victories this fall, the Indians received plenty of insurance from Meredith Shank, who covered all ends of the court like a blanket for the Indians.

The junior outside hitter played soccer up until 8th grade before making volleyball her fall sport of choice. While she tallied 114 kills with 35 aces, Meredith also showed her versatility on the other side of the ball by notching 398 digs-which was first in the state among outside hitters-to earn All-Hammonasset honors, in addition to being named MVP for a Guilford squad that secured a SCC Tournament road decision and improved upon its previous year's win total by five.

"This year, I started playing more back row, but I just like to keep the game moving and get the point for our team in any way I can," says Meredith, who also plays basketball for the Indians. "I just try to throw my body around to get a play off. I was surprised that I got All-Division, yet it made me realize that we are a good team and it also gave me confidence. It reminded me that we have good players and could beat good teams."

Head Coach Laura Meyer adds that the former right side hitter not only switched her designated slot on the floor this campaign, but also positioned herself perfectly to prevent opponents from netting any tallies.

"Meredith covers the entire court. She does not let the ball hit the floor and she is the player I feel we need on the court at all times," says Meyer. "Meredith was an integral part of our team. She played a different position than she has in the past and it worked out great. She was on the floor for the whole rotation. She had great all-around statistics, but she was voted MVP of the team because of all the extra things she does to keep the play going. There were times where she literally did not let the ball hit the floor. She was the player we needed to have on the floor at all times because of the plays she made."

Meredith explains that her basketball background benefits her digging dominance by preeping her to get ready for the incoming ball prior to shoveling it back.

"From playing basketball, I have gained a lot of court awareness and positioning myself in the right spot and can see if a ball is a line or cross-court hit," Meredith says. "I also watch the spin on the ball and my teammates. I try to figure out who has the best angle to get the ball to the setter. I really felt this year that I broke out in my digging playing the back row. My confidence was up and I always wanted the ball."

The Indians welcomed a new-look club this season that started 1-3. However, once the initial jitters were shaken out and the pieces settled in, Meredith and Guilford were off and running.

"We had a lot of new people playing varsity and we started slow, but then we started figuring out how to play together. We started to click and gained team chemistry," says Meredith. "We all learned how to play with each other and I think that will work in our advantage for next year now that we know how everyone is playing."

Meredith plays forward for Guilford girls' hoops and wants to see similar progress from that team in her second season on the hardword as the Indians look to gain even more respect from their competitors.

"We will have a young team that will be very skilled and, hopefully, leads to success," says Meredith, who thanks her teammates. "We want to win and let people know that Guilford can have these good teams."