A Dream Come True
Volleyball manager takes the court
October 24, 2017
Shelby DeSotel’s first minutes on the court were the last minutes of the season.
After spending the season as the team’s manager, filling water bottles, shagging balls, and cheering on her teammates, DeSotel finally had the opportunity to lace up her shoes and take the court for the first time.
Coach Shea Putz gave DeSotel, a special education student, the opportunity she has looked forward to for years.
DeSotel’s interest in the volleyball program sparked when her cousin, Carlee Ketchum, played for the Hawks in 2016. DeSotel enjoyed cheering on Ketchum.
This year, the junior varsity volleyball team concluded their season at the Cedar Rapids Washington Invite Oct. 9. This was DeSotel’s career debut.
“She gives them a spark, she gives them fight, but more importantly she gives them her 100% effort as a teammate! — Shea Putz
As game time rolled around, DeSotel couldn’t have been more excited. At game point, DeSotel was subbed into the game.
“The first time she was subbed in to play, she had the biggest smile on her face,” junior varsity player Sabrina Welcher said. “I would help her and tell her when she could move to her spot.”
Varsity player Lauren Collier (12) was especially excited for DeSotel. Collier commented she “comes to all the practices and always has the best attitude.”
DeSotel had more playing time than anticipated when another player twisted her ankle and was unable to play.
That night officials offered Putz an exceptional sub, which would require one player to switch jerseys with the injured player. “I looked at Shelby and heard a voice in my heart,” said Putz, whose heart told her to put DeSotel in the game.
“My favorite part about watching Shelby play was how all of the girls treated her like she was part of the team,” said Connie DeSotel, Shelby’s mom. Connie and her family “love all those girls for making her dreams of volleyball come true.”
