Rising Star: 2022 Pin Hitter Ana Heath
It’s no secret, volleyball players like to get off the ground and jump. It’s an important part of our sport, especially for pin hitters like Ana Heath.
The 13-year-old not only touches 9'7" on the vertex, she’s also a nationally ranked high jumper. In fact, Heath qualified for the Junior Olympics last year in her event clearing 4'10" --a personal best as a 12-year-old. Heath also competes in long jump and on the 4x100 relay team, which took third in the state last year.
The native of Murphy, Texas, admires other volleyball greats who share her position, like former University of Texas powerhouse Amy Neal and Olympian Kim Hill, noting that both players continue to improve and get better throughout their careers.
This year, Heath is looking to expand her game and grow as a player by trying beach volleyball. Although the two are different sports, it’s her willingness to try new things that keeps Heath on the edge of her potential by showing it’s always possible to grow as a player.
Ana Heath
Position: Outside HitterGrad year: 2022
School Name: Cooper Junior High
Club Name: Madfrog Volleyball
Hometown: Murphy, Texas
When and why did you start playing volleyball? Do you remember your first game or practice? What was that like?
I started playing volleyball when I was 9 years old. My parents wanted me to try it out.
I remember being very nervous at my first practice in Club Prep at Madfrog. I was intimidated by the amount of girls and how much better they were [than me].
What do you like best about your position?
Hitting is my favorite part of volleyball. I like trying to score points for my team. I love hitting line shots and surprising the setters.
Have you always played that position?
No, I also played right side when I played in 10s. Then in 11s, I moved to outside. I’m also working on learning to set.
Who inspires you? And why?
I’m inspired by Amy Neal. She was a 5’9” All-American outside hitter for Texas. She proved that you can be shorter than the other hitters but still be a starter on a DI team with hard work.
If you could travel to one place in the whole world where would you go? Why?
I would love to go to Hawaii to relax and hang out with my family. I like going to the beach and hiking.
What is the best piece of advice or encouragement you have ever received? Who did that come from?
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23 (NIV). My mom gave me this verse to read over before practice and games.
Any crazy goals or dreams on or off the court?
I want to play volleyball for a DI college and play in the Olympics. I would also like to attend law school to become a lawyer.
By Priscilla Tallman
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