Only two incoming SEC volleyball players have ever earned Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. The most recent recipient is a 5'9 freshman setter for Auburn out of Assumption High School in Louisville, Kentucky.
Alexa Filley, the 2013-14 Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year, looks to be a factor in getting the ball to Auburn's hitters this season, regardless of her height.
"A lot of people put attention toward the height thing, and I've said for a long time it doesn't matter what the position is," said volleyball head coach Rick Nold. "You want to look at the player first, and something with her is she's a good all-around player. She's a good athlete. She jumps well and puts up a very good block for a setter."
Being tall can help in volleyball, but that doesn't mean shorter people cannot make a difference. Filley said she overcomes her height disadvantages by working harder than everyone else and playing as if she's a "big" player.
Filley and junior Alyssa Ivey are vying to be the setter in the Tigers' system this season. Ivey returns for her second season at Auburn after appearing in 24 matches during the 2013 season.
Both players will look to replace Lindsey Wintzinger, who became one of the four setters in Auburn's school history to reach the 2,500-assist mark.
Part of a top-15 recruiting class, Filley and the other freshman have acquired the highest ranking in program history and are looking to play a major role for the Tigers in 2014.
"I'm excited about competing with my teammates and getting better and trying to beat some people," Filley said.
Filley led her high school team to a 36-6 record, a Kentucky state championship and a final national ranking of No. 6 as a senior, according to prepvolleyball.com.
She recorded 1,248 assists, 334 digs, 102 kills, 58 blocks and 41 service aces during her senior season.
She was a 2013-14 Under Armour Second-Team All-American, MVP of the state tournament.
While attending Assumption High School, Filley helped her team win four straight state titles, winning state tournament MVP honors in 2012 and 2013. She was also named a second-team All-American selection by USA Today after posting 1,238 assists and 332 digs during her senior season.
Filley and freshman outside hitter Courtney Crable, high school rivals at Louisville's Assumption and Mercy Academy, are now teammates at Auburn.
Crable was Kentucky's Miss Volleyball and a first-team Under Armour All-American in 2013.
Crable said it was fun playing against Filley in high school.
"(Filley) was always a great leader on the court for her team," Crable said. "She is definitely bringing a lot to the table. She's a great defensive player and she is also a threat at the net. I think she will be really good for us."
Nold believes Filley's greatest quality is her competitiveness.
"You put her in a situation, she's going to give everything she has," Nold said. "She's a hard worker, but she's very, very driven and, again, I think that competitiveness is what sparks that."
The competition for the setter position is ongoing, but Nold said Filley and Ivey are both improving and battling for playing time.
Filley is enjoying her first year on The Plains and is ready for the season to start.
"I'm hoping we do really well," Filley said. "I'm hoping we compete in all our games and all our tournaments."
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