Lady Tigers Volleyball Celebrates Seniors in Championship Season
Middleton High School celebrated its 2025 senior volleyball ladies at Senior Night, which was held on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Chasney Vue, Hayleigh Lester, Kaitlin Vue, and Laney Byers were recognized for their years as Lady Tigers volleyball players along with their athleticism, teamwork, and perseverance on the court.
The camaraderie of these ladies goes further than just being players on a team. They all have played together since middle school under the coaching of Zeke Craft. That time together has been a learning experience of skilled training on the court, acquiring a unique familiarity with how they play together as a team, and a forged friendship that will long be remembered after the last game they play this season, and well past graduation in May 2025. Laney simply shared what all four ladies will miss about playing for the team.
“[I will miss] my teammates,” said Laney, who plays outside hitter and enjoys the adrenaline she gets from playing volleyball.
Over the years, coach Craft has strategically placed each one of them in a position on the court where they have been able to thrive. Chasney plays libero, Hayleigh plays right side and setter, and Kaitlyn plays setter. Their season, that kicked off in August, has been busy with two to three games being played each week. This past week, the team earned the title of District Champions! That is a great accomplishment for players in their senior year of high school, especially in a sport they all love very much.
“I enjoy the sense of teamwork and trust that volleyball brings,” said Chasney. “Throughout my volleyball career, I’ve made lifelong friends, and volleyball truly taught me sisterhood.”
The others also shared what they love about volleyball.
“I enjoy the competitiveness. I am a very competitive person but also the bonds you make, the friends and family along the way,” said Hayleigh, who had the opportunity to play with her sister Harlie, who graduated May 2023, for a couple of years.
“I enjoy the teamwork and the hustle that my teammates and I have during intense plays,” said Kaitlin.
Having played so many years together has created several fond memories. Along with the ones they are making this year, the ladies shared some they will treasure.
“My favorite memory is beating Middle College my junior season and continuing to sub-state which we hosted at MHS,” said Chasney.
“The wins. The joy and happiness that our team got from those wins. It’s my favorite feeling,” said Hayleigh. “The rush of excitement when the last ball goes over the net, you can’t get that from anything else.”
“My favorite memory would probably be when we won districts and regionals,” said Kaitlin.
“Coach outrunning me during any practice,” said Laney about Coach Craft, who gives just as much team effort off the court as the ladies give on the court.
Although they will miss the sport, for some of the ladies, their volleyball playing years will end once the season is finished.
“Although I am not playing in college. I will forever hold my high school volleyball career deep in my heart,” said Chasney.
“I’m not planning on playing in college, but if God leads me down that path, I’m going to play with all I have in me.” said Hayleigh.
“I am not sure if I will yet, but I do want to play in college.” Said Kaitlin.
Chasney shared a sentiment many coaches, including Coach Craft, hopes is a takeaway by the players they coach.
“This sport has helped me to improve and challenged me to become a better player and person,” said Chasney.
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