Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Liza Collier

Liza Collier is a sophomore outside hitter for the Sarasota High varsity indoor volleyball team. This season, Collier emerged as the Sailors' top offensive weapon, leading the team in kills, kills per set and kill percentage. 

When did you start playing volleyball and why?

I started playing volleyball in fifth grade when I was 10. I’ve always been an athlete, I’ve tried a bunch of different sports like gymnastics and tennis, but none of them ever stuck. I just kept moving from one sport to another. Eventually, my parents signed me up for a volleyball class at EVO and it’s been my favorite sport ever since.

What’s the appeal?

I like that you’re never alone on the court. You can always communicate with your coaches and your teammates and they’ll understand you and help you.

What's your best skill on the court?

I’d say hitting, but not just hitting to hit the ball, actually thinking about where I’m going to hit it. I’m one of the shorter hitters, so I have to put some thought into where I’m going to place it. 

What are you working on to improve?

Being consistent with my workouts. In volleyball, it’s not just about working on your skills, you have to be improving your strength and stamina as well. I’ve been working a lot on improving my vertical, because jumping height is important in volleyball. For my club team, we have a one-hour workout in the gym before every practice. We work a lot on explosiveness and reactivity — we do box jumps and quick footwork drills on the ladder. Sometimes we’ll lie down on the floor and have to jump up and race the person next to us. 

What’s your favorite volleyball memory?

There are so many great memories that I’ve had, it’s hard to choose. I’ve really enjoyed just being able to bond with my teammates more than any match we’ve won or tournament we’ve played in. I’ve gotten close with all of my teammates over the years. Every girl I play with, I consider to be a part of my family. 

What went right for your team this season?

I’d say our serve-receive was strong. We all passed well. We had a bunch of good defensive specialists and good liberos. Anyone that played in the back row could pass well. Not to mention that as a team, we’re super close. Everyone loves each other and wants the best for each other. 

What’s your favorite food?

Peanut butter sandwiches. Everyone says that I’m weird for not using jelly, but I think it’s better that way. I have one every day for lunch. 

What are your hobbies?

I try to hang out with my friends, especially those that don’t play volleyball as much as possible. I don’t have time for much else. My club team (GSI Institute) is in Venice, so when I have practice after school I’m there from about 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and then it’s time for bed. I’ll do anything beach related with my friends, but even then I usually end up bringing a volleyball to play with.

What's the best advice that you've received?

The other night at my club team practice, our coach was giving us advice on how to not be complacent. He told us to focus on the moment and not the outcome, to just think about what you can do individually to help your team. That helped me to change my mindset, because I tend to put too much pressure on myself. It’s a good reminder that I can’t control everything, so it’s better to just think about the little things that I can control.

Finish this sentence. Liza Collier is…

Determined.