Junior Haley Burgdorf made program history when she surpassed 1,000 career kills during the varsity game against St. Francis.
A kill in volleyball refers to when a player makes an attack that is not returnable, resulting in a point for the attacking team.
Burgdorf has been playing volleyball since she was six years old, making this her 10th year in the sport. Burgdorf elaborated on how this is simply a stepping stone for her goals.
“It was just a surreal moment. I knew I was close, but it’s so exciting to get this as a junior, so now I can just do bigger things when I’m a senior. Maybe get 1,500 or 2,000, that’s the goal,” said Burgdorf.
Burgdorf found that the moment was more sentimental than she thought it was going to be.
“It was so emotional. I didn’t think I would cry, but I did. It was such an emotional moment and such an accomplishment,” said Burgdorf.
No athlete in the volleyball program before Burgdorf had achieved 1,000 kills, making Burgdorf’s achievement a milestone for North girl’s volleyball. Burgdorf thinks her achievement will make an impact on the drive that other athletes have.
“I think [my achievement] will push a lot of people. Most people thrive off of me, like if I’m having a good day, then they’re having a good day, or they’ll push me to be better, and I’ll push them to be better, too,” said Burgdorf.
Burgdorf’s aspirations don’t stop now that she has achieved 1,000 career kills. She is set to play at Penn State, and has goals to play professionally, specifically for the national USA team. Her achievement was impressive not only for her, but it is going to drive forward the girl’s volleyball program for years to come.
