By: Nate Calvin
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
sports@thevillagereporter.com
PETTISVILLE – For a junior to reach 1,000 of anything (assists, kills, points etc.) for a career, regardless of the sport, is rare.
Pettisville junior Grace Hastings did just that during a non-conference win over Delta on October 7 when she set up Naomi Richer for a kill to give her career assist number 1,000.
“My personal goal coming into this season was to run a 5-1, which would require me to play front row. I had to work really hard in the weight room to increase my vertical.”
“As the season went on, I realized that getting 1,000 assists was a possibility for me. I owe a lot to our great passers who can get the ball to me and amazing hitters who can put the ball away. Earning 1,000 assists was essentially a lot of smaller goals that added up.”
“Grace put a tremendous amount of time and effort into her off-season preparation, and it’s paid off”, said third-year Pettisville head coach April Beck.
“She goes to the weight room several times each week for a workout. Grace is an outstanding leader, and her knowledge of volleyball is incredible. She even enjoys scouting our opponents to learn what is best for our team when we face them.”
“She runs the offense by always thinking ahead at what play will get the point. Grace serves aggressively, plays to win, and always comes ready to compete.”
“This is the second year Grace has played varsity for us. As a sophomore on varsity, Grace was setting while running a 6-2 offense.”
“This year, as a junior, it’s been her job to run the 5-1 offense. She is an extremely valuable player for us. She has improved a lot by thinking ahead and by knowing her opponent. Next year, as a senior, we will look to Grace to continue to lead the team as a setter.”
Hastings, who also plays basketball and softball, said her love of the game started when she was 10 years old when she was a manager for the high school program. “Watching the older girls and listening to the coaches taught me a lot”, she commented.
In the classroom, she participates in FCA, Student Leadership Team, Student Aiding, Weight Room, is the yearbook editor, and maintains a 4.0 GPA.
“I have had so much support from my family. My parents (Steve and Sarah Hastings) are super encouraging and inspire me to be the best I can be both on and off the court. My siblings (Sam, Lydia, Daniel) and grandparents (Art and Donna Chupp; Duane and Kris Hastings) always cheer me on and come to games.”
“My coaches are awesome. They know the game very well and are always willing to listen to my ideas and give me feedback. I am very grateful for them”, added Hastings.
Going into next season, Hastings has goals of winning another BBC championship and to build relationships with the younger players.
