Faith Lutheran junior in elite class

By Christopher Drexel

Friday, Oct. 24, 2008 | midnight

Hayley Washinsky was stunned when she heard the announcement.

During the Faith Lutheran volleyball team's banquet at the end of last season, Crusaders coach Amy Fisher announced Washinsky was voted to the 3A Southern League first team, as well as the all-state second team.

"When she called my name I was like 'Whoa, did she make a mistake?'" Washinsky recalls. "I was pretty surprised, but I was happy though."

Such accolades caught Washinsky off guard because she had only finished her sophomore season.

But the 6-foot outside hitter has more experience on the volleyball court than her class status indicates. She has been playing the sport year-round for various club and school teams for more than five years.

"It's practically my life," Washinsky said. "It's been my sport since sixth grade. It's just something I know was meant for me to play."

Washinsky's loyalty to the sport and experience has been a benefit, said Amy Fisher, Faith Lutheran's coach.

"I think Hayley is unique in that just because of the size of our school, most of our kids play multiple sports and Hayley has always been focused on volleyball," Fisher said. "She's been very successful at it. I would have to say she is probably one of the better outside hitters in the valley."

Now a junior, Washinsky is again a cog in Faith Lutheran's attack. She has tallied 154 kills to go along with 49 aces as the Crusaders are off to a 18-11 record, including 3-0 in 3A Southern League matches.

"After being named first-team all conference and second-team all state we put a lot of pressure on her early, but she's risen to the occasion and really become a good leader for us," Fisher said. "We really look to her in clutch situations to come through."

Fisher said Washinsky will be even more valuable next season when Faith Lutheran begins competition at the 4A level.

Washinsky is looking forward to the opportunity to play a 4A schedule in her senior year. The Crusaders have regularly faced 4A teams in the past at the annual Las Vegas Invitational and High Sierra tournaments, and typically fared well.

Washinsky added Faith Lutheran often doesn't get the credit it deserves playing in 3A.

"Next year when we get to 4A I think we will do pretty well," she said. "Those teams should recognize us. I think we will surprise some people next year. I don't think we'll be scared. We're getting prepared."

Washinsky would like to bring a championship banner to Faith Lutheran.

"We want to get that 3A championship before we move to 4A because it's our last chance," she said. "If we can win a 3A championship now then all those other teams should watch out for us next season because we would have a lot of momentum."

Christopher Drexel can be reached at 990-8929 or [email protected].