Woodland’s Elyse Booker, the reigning 2A GSHL player of the year, already owns the school’s all-time digs record. Alisha Jucevic/The Columbian
A player who owns a school record for digs doesn’t mind doing volleyball’s dirty work.
Bruises and floor burns are badges of honor for Elyse Booker. While other players get their thrills with kills, the Woodland senior loves throwing herself in the path of an opponent’s spike, keeping the rally alive, then watching her teammates turn it around for a point.
“It’s what makes volleyball really fun,” Booker said. “The competitiveness of it, I love it and really thrive off it. Seeing that happen, it just excites me and gets me more into the game.”
Booker is already Woodland’s all-time leader in digs with 934 — the previous record was 671. The reigning 2A Greater St. Helens League MVP, Booker and Woodland are seeking a second consecutive league title.
Booker plays libero, a specialized defensive position. The libero, who wears a different color jersey than her teammates, isn’t allowed to attack or block the ball when it’s above the net.
Instead, Booker puts her focus into reading where an opponent’s spike will go, then putting herself in the best position to make a play.
“A big part of that is reading the hitter’s shoulder, where it’s pointed,” she said.
Woodland coach Danielle Hutton emphasized the importance of a skilled libero.
“A strong offense starts with a strong defense,” she said. “You could have a phenomenal offense, but without your defense delivering the setter a perfect pass, your hitter isn’t going to be utilized as efficiently.”
Hutton lauded Booker’s hustle and how she’s a vocal leader during a match, often calling to her hitters where an opponent’s weak spot is.
But, according to Hutton, what sets Booker apart is her poise.
“There is an extreme amount of pressure on a libero each touch because we rely so heavily on their perfect passing and all-out effort to keep the play alive,” Hutton said. “She doesn’t let that pressure get to her.”
Season storylines
Prairie on the Prowl:Prairie hasn’t lost a 3A GSHL match since 2015. But the Falcons have bigger goals as well. Last season’s fifth-place finish at the state tournament was the program’s best since winning the championship in 2012. Prairie must replace Zoe McBride, who won her second All-Region player of the year honor as a senior.
4A Chase:Camas went unbeaten in league, but graduated five key players. Second-place Union also graduated its two first-team all-leaguers. That could open the door for Skyview, led by first-team all-league hitter Grace Brenner.
2A Tussle:The 2A GSHL is home to two of the top teams in the area. Ridgefield, led by junior Delaney Nicoll, is riding high after placing third at state. League champ Woodland returns MVP Elyse Booker, first-team outside hitter Taylor Foster and setter Emma Swett, who was a team captain last year as a freshman.
La Center’s Leaders:Trico League co-MVP Laynie Erickson and fellow first-team all-league senior Amanda Holm hope to lead La Center to state for the third straight year.
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