Derrick Webb, Managing Editor
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
FRANKFORT — Every great machine needs an operator.
Junior Kortney Sowers was exactly that for Adena this fall, teaming up with fellow setter Allie Bossert, to lead the Warriors on yet another lengthy postseason run.
Sowers’ ability to distribute the ball to the team’s array of hitters allowed Adena to finish 25-2 overall, win the program’s 17th Gold Ball and capture its 39th district championship.
If you were lucky enough to see the Warriors in action this season, you know they have plenty of talent.
But Sowers says the key to their success wasn’t the talent they had, but rather the bond they’ve formed as teammates.
“Every day at practice, we push each other to become better as a whole,” Sowers said. “If we have a weakness, coach [Laura] Smith will address it and tell us how to fix it. But it’s up to us to fix it. I think this team worked so well together because of the chemistry and friendships we have. Outside of practice and games, we find ways to hang out and, over time, that connection has played a role on the court. We have great trust with one another and it builds chemistry to improve our game. I think our annual beach trip has been the beginning of these close connections and helps our team tremendously.”
Sowers’ end-of-year stats were impressive as she tallied 35 service aces, 213 digs and 447 assists — bringing her career assist total to 894.
She played a key role in the team reaching the Elite 8 before the year came to a close.
Those reasons are why she’s been selected as SOSA’s Pickaway-Ross Athlete of the Month.
“The people surrounding me are the ones who have made me better throughout my career,” Sowers said. “My teammates, in both school and club, play at a high level of volleyball and it’s pushed me to better myself. My coaches have also played a big role throughout my career. My friends and family have also sacrificed their time to toss or hit balls at me in my free time. Club volleyball has also helped me by introducing me to a faster-paced game with good competition that forced me to get out of my comfort zone. I continue to work on the mental side of volleyball by increasing my confidence when I play and brushing off mistakes. I also focus on always bettering my fundamentals and thinking of ways I can better my role on the team.”
CREDIT: Raymond Gleadle/SOSA
When Sowers isn’t helping the Warriors win volleyball games, she’s busy attending Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center, where she’s enrolled in the school’s Health Science program.
“I decided to go [to Pickaway-Ross] because I’ve always known, since I was little, that I wanted to have a career in the medical field and I can get a head start in it for free,” Sowers said. “Choosing Pickaway-Ross gave me the opportunity to learn about the medical field more and will help me decide my next step when going to college. I also decided to go there to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people.”
Sowers is sure that making the decision to attend Pickaway-Ross was one of the best she’s made.
And, if you’re teetering on going there as well, she’s got a piece of advice for you.
“My advice for anyone considering Pickaway-Ross as an option is to get out of your comfort zone and do it,” Sowers said. “The skills you will learn will help you, no matter if you continue in that trade in your future or not. You get once-in-a-lifetime experiences for free and the friendships you will make will make you glad you made the right choice.”
While, for now, Sowers plans to pursue a career in the medical field, her future also includes at least one more season on the volleyball court.
So far, during her first three seasons, Adena is 67-14 overall with a 40-2 mark in SVC play. Sowers has been a part of two league championships, three district titles and a regional crown.
“I think it’s very cool to play for Adena’s volleyball program,” Sowers said. “I feel like every day I hear a story about our program and how good it is. I think the past success drives our team to want to add and be a part of those stories.”
As her senior volleyball season comes into view, her goals remain the same. She’ll do whatever it takes to help her teammates continue to earn successful results.
But she’s also cherishing each memory she makes and each game she knows she’s blessed enough to play in.
“Volleyball has taught me many things over the years,” Sowers said. “One thing is to stay in the moment and not look too far ahead. Time goes by too fast. We have to cherish things while they happen. Another thing is to surround yourself with people who bring you up. When you have a good team surrounding you, they help you better yourself. Volleyball taught me that you get what you work for. Things aren’t always going to be given, and the outcome depends on how much you’re willing to work for it.”
SPONSORED BY PICKAWAY-ROSS CTC
