IBSports Volleyball Magazine November 2025

By the time Sydney Hilley was eight years old, she was already chasing down volleyballs and big dreams. Growing up in Minnesota, Hilley’s early connection to the sport came naturally — her mother played at North Dakota State, and her older brother competed as well. “I was about seven when it all started,” Hilley recalls. “My mom played in college, and I joined a coed team with my brother. When I signed up for my first club team, my parents promised me my first pair of shoes that I actually wanted — and I was hooked.” That small promise sparked a relentless drive that would carry her from the local gyms of Champlin Park High School to the national stage with the University of Wisconsin, and eventually into the professional…

Background & Beginnings 1. I started playing club volleyball in my 13u season. I was a competitive swimmer, but that sport can get lonely because you aren’t really competing alongside teammates. A lot of my friends were playing volleyball, and they would talk about how much fun they were having. The bonds, the friendships, and the support they were building really drew me to the sport. 2. My first memory on a volleyball court was actually in first grade. Our PE teacher, Molly Hummel, is the head volleyball coach at San Joquin Delta Junior College. Miss Molly has coached at Delta for 15 years and was named the ACVA Western Regional Coach of the Year in 2023. She always included a volleyball unit in our PE curriculum. Right before Christmas…

In the bustling town of Capernaum, a paralyzed man lay on his mat, unable to move or walk. His hope for healing rested in the hands of four friends who were determined to bring him to Jesus. However, the crowded house where Jesus was teaching posed a challenge - how could they get their friend to Jesus with so many people blocking the way? Undeterred by the obstacles, the four friends came up with a bold plan. They carried their paralyzed friend to the roof, dug through the thatch, and lowered him down on his mat right in front of Jesus. Their faith, determination, and teamwork were truly remarkable. This story teaches us a valuable lesson about the power of having teammates who are willing to go to great lengths…