Shawn Were| swerre@aberdeennews.com
After being promoted to leader on the court, Maddie Goetz has used her new role to help Aberdeen Central find its way to another state tournament appearance.
The junior setter is a prime reason the Golden Eagles are in the field of eight teams for the State AA volleyball tournament, Nov. 21-23 in Mitchell. The Golden Eagles earned a berth with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Huron in the District 3AA championship match last week. Goetz completed 39 set assists and contributed 21 defensive digs in the match, as Central earned its first win over the Tigers in three matches this season. Goetz also had six kills, 34 assists and 13 digs in an opening-round win over Pierre. For her efforts, Goetz is the American News Athlete of the Week.
During the regular season, Huron defeated Central twice, first in five sets in Aberdeen in late September, then in three sets in late October. Goetz said it felt good to get the win over the Tigers in the tournament.
"It was almost relieving," Goetz said of the victory. "We worked really hard at practice until we got it done. We just came out with momentum, didn't play scared, hit shots and played defense."
The team had a goal to try to contain Huron's middle hitter Asia King, Goetz said. The match proved to be a tight one, with Central dropping the first set and rallying to take the last three, including a 26-24 win in the final set. The tenacity that Central showed to pull out a win said a lot about the team's character, Goetz said.
"Our mental toughness was there and we finished strong," she said.
With her duties changed from last season, Goetz has adapted well and helped guide the Eagles to a solid 16-4 record.
"Last year, I had to do my job, and this year, I have to lead," Goetz said. "Coach refers to me as the quarterback. My job is to get everyone to where they need to be going."
Central coach Dennis Northrup said this year Goetz has been asked to take on more of a leadership position.
"Last year, she had a role on the team, and this year, she's in charge and in the middle of everything that happens," Northrup said.
Goetz believes that the team's success has been a product of hard work, good coaching and believing in itself.
"We are just working hard every day in practice and not giving up when we get in trouble or have a hard loss," Goetz said. "Our coaches push us every day in practice. I'm so lucky to play with such great coaches. The program is very good."
Goetz, a three-year starter, has assembled some solid numbers this season. She has 541 of the team's 606 set assists, along with 44 kills and serves at 93 percent, and is tied for second on the team with 210 digs.She is headed to her third state tournament with the Eagles. She combines knowledge of the sport with her skills as a leader to help get the most out of her teammates, said Northrup.
"Maddie just does a great job of leading the team," said Northrup. "She is firm with the girls and has high expectations. She can do a lot of things and has that quiet presence and leadership skills. She knows the game well and has great instincts."
Northrup said Goetz can draw upon a variety of ways to accomplish the task at hand. The other players have come to look up to Goetz.
"When the other kids see that our leader is willing to do it all, then they will be looking to get on board with it," Northrup said.
A love for the sport is what keeps Goetz playing.
"I have a passion for it. I like being with the team, I love the coaches and like the feeling of being on the court and being in pressure situations," Goetz said.
Teamwork is part of the formula that has gotten the Golden Eagles to where they are and Goetz feels that it can be a factor in helping the team reach the next level: a state title.
"We are saying, ‘Play for the person next to you. Do it for us,’ ” Goetz said. "We're looking forward to state, and we are still a work in progress."
Family: Parents, Daryn and Elizabeth; sister Katherine (19), brother Christian (13).
Favorite athlete: Maya Moore of the Minnesota Lynx.
Other sports: Basketball.
Most underrated player on your team: Junior hitter Kendall McDaniel. "She is the spark of the team and works harder than anyone I know."
Toughest opponent: Erin Radke, former Sioux Falls Lincoln standout, now at University of Iowa.
