Many people see 1000 assists as a career defining achievement for any person who plays volleyball, Senior Julia Ulitzky, varsity volleyball player, has averaged almost 7 points a game throughout her high school volleyball career leading her to finally achieving that amazing achievement.

Going into high school Ulitzky had a completely different role playing in the back row; she switched to a setter. For most players an unfamiliar change like that would hinder their performance but Ulitzky did not let it take an effect on the impact she had on the court.

 “I’ve always been told I had good hands to set but I’ve never tried it before, so I was a little nervous to start, but now it’s stuck. I’ve played that in club volleyball and in high school, and it’s been good.” Ulitzky said. 

Since then Ulitzky has adapted to the position change and has continued to show her success throughout her high school career. 

 “I have improved a lot. Starting a new position freshman year was definitely different. The longer you play it, the more you figure out the game, the court awareness, stuff like that.” Ulitzky said. “I definitely did it myself but I needed my coaches and my teammates there.”

Not only is getting 1000 assists a great achievement and milestone in volleyball along with other sports, achieving that while only being a senior in high school along with just starting that position freshman year is insanely  impressive for college coaches to look at and a defining achievement overall.

 “Currently, I would say I improved a lot,” Ulitzky said. “I feel like starting a new position freshman year was definitely different and just figuring it out, and then the longer you play it, the more you figure out the game, like court awareness.”

Furthermore not only does this have a huge impact on Julia Ulitzky herself, it also has a big impact on her team and how she is a role model for her teammates and brings the positivity and team spirit – leading her to taking a leadership role.

“She’s the leader. She determines where every ball goes. She determines the energy,”said head coach Rob Graham. “She’s a very positive influence, so everything she does kind of dictates whether or not we win or lose.”  Graham said 

Dictating wins or losses is huge for volleyball players at any level but determining team success means the world to a high school senior. Throughout her volleyball career she was a very energetic and a positive girl. She went through a long journey during her high school years improving so much along the way with the help of her parents and coaches.  

 “I would say my parents helped me through a lot, whether it’s after a game and I’m frustrated or after a big win, they try to recognize me,“ Ulitzky said. “My parents are there through all of it. They’ve been there since I started volleyball, and they’ll be there when I decide when I do or don’t want to play anymore.”