The ladies of the Hiram volleyball team have played a nearly flawless season thus far as they sat at 6-1 overall last week.

A key part of the Lady Hornets’ machine is Sydney Cooley.

The senior captain has played volleyball for the Lady Hornets since her freshman year. She said she loves the sport and would like to play at the college level.

Head volleyball coach Kevin Thomas said Cooley has been an integral part of the team all season, not just this past week, as she motivates her teammates and works hard individually as well.

“She’s just been working hard all year. She’s a pretty dominant player on the court. She keeps a positive attitude and she really pushes the other girls to do better and succeed,” Thomas said.

Cooley has been the reason for some of the team’s wins this season as she has had more than one big play, according to her coach.

“I wouldn’t say just one play, but there are a few matches that she’s played where she’s pretty much carried us. Strong hitting from the outside, just being consistent, passing, serving, hitting, just doing everything well really helps us,” Thomas said.

Even though her coach could give numerous reasons why she was deserving of the title Female Athlete of the Week award, she said she was surprised she was chosen. “I’m just surprised by the whole thing. I’m a captain and I’ve made some points, but I don’t know,” Cooley said.