Savannah Silke

Senior Savannah Silke sets the table for the Lake Region varsity volleyball team.

“Savannah has shown great progress early in our season with her hitting; she has demonstrated a great ability at reading the other team’s offensive plays and, as a result, has been able to make some key blocks and some great hits at the net,” Laker Coach Ryan Shible said. “Savannah also has great anticipation skills, which has helped her in her role as one of our team’s setters, as well as on defense, which has helped her to take advantage of the other team’s overpasses.  Savannah puts forth tremendous effort in every practice and every game. She is always encouraging her teammates to do their best, as well.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Savannah is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Name: Savannah Silke

Year in School: Senior

Hometown: Bridgton

Parents: Kelly Silke and Chris Silke

Sports you play: Volleyball, softball

School organizations: Varsity Club

Why did you choose to play volleyball? I was struggling freshman year trying to learn the fundamentals of field hockey, so I thought it may have been time to try something new. I went to a volleyball camp that summer and immediately knew I had to play.

What is the most difficult part of the game? I believe the most difficult part of the game is picking your heads back up after a tough couple of plays. Losing five seniors from last season and having low varsity numbers has made it hard, but we have been showing great effort and have been making an amazing bond as a team.

What do you enjoy the most? What I enjoy most is when the whole team is full of intensity and positivity. It really changes how we play in such a good way. All the smiles and laughs really make a lot of love for this sport.

What do you feel you need to work on? I feel that I need to work on getting my hits down and in the court. Hitting is one of the key components in volleyball. I’ve also been trying to work in a jump serve so I can move the ball at a faster pace on the court.

Why is teamwork important? Teamwork is an expectation — with a bump, set, hit, everyone has a role on the court they have to put forth. Communication is always being used so we all know who is going for what. LRVB has always had a bond like no other and I’m so grateful for that.

What is the biggest impact your coach(es) have had on you? Coach Shible has always been very understanding and always taking input from everyone. I send him e-mails every week on things we should work on as a team, and he always takes everything I recommend into consideration. He’s always pushing us to be the best we can be.

How do you want people to view you as an athlete? I would like to be seen as a hard worker and always having perseverance.

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? Looking back, I will always remember how welcoming the team was when I joined. I have never been on a team closer than this one, and I’m incredibly thankful to be a part of it.