By: Nate Calvin
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
sports@thevillagereporter.com
MONTPELIER – On October 8, Montpelier senior Aleigha Hillard became the fourth Lady Loco in program history to reach 1,000 career digs. Hillard joins Rhea Stoy (2018) Chelsea McCord (2021), and teammate Kelsie Bumb who reached the mark a few weeks ago.
“This accomplishment means so much to me. It has been a goal of mine since watching an alumni achieve 1,000 digs. It feels like my hard work paid off and I am so grateful”, said Hillard.
Hillard, who began playing volleyball at the age of eight, credits her family for helping her throughout her career.
“They (mother – Shawna, father – Ron, and sisters Karlee and Cadey) have been beyond encouraging, no matter my performance. They believe in me and my goals for sports and my future.”
“Aleigha is everything a coach could ask for in an athlete. She is a leader on and off the court, very coachable, hard-working, always giving her best effort, positive, reliable, and she is a fantastic teammate”, said head coach Brooke Funk, who just completed her third season.
“I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Aleigha for the past six years in volleyball and it’s been awesome to see how she has grown and improved over her four years in high school”, Funk continued.
“She has gained more confidence each of her four years. She has always made a large effort in correcting or getting better at anything that her coaches have asked of her. She’s played many roles for us over the course of her career.”
“She has been a DS, right-side hitter, outside hitter, and now libero this year. Any position or role that she has been asked to fill, she has done so without one complaint and gives her full effort to whatever position she is in.”
“That is a quality in an athlete that is very hard to come by. I am very proud of her. She will be greatly missed next year, and she left some pretty big shoes to fill.”
Hillard, who also plays basketball and is a member of the track team, is the Senior Class President, Student Council President, National Honor Society Secretary, participates in FCA and has had a 4.0 GPA through all of high school along with numerous class awards.
“I would tell young players to just go for it! You only have a certain number of opportunities like this in life so make the most out of it. Mistakes are inevitable and a large part of success.”
Hillard was asked what memories she will take away from her career. “I will take away all of the amazing friendships that’ll last a lifetime. My favorite memories are all the BBC championships and celebrations.”
After graduation, Hillard plans to attend The Ohio State University and major in high school education.
