For Piedmont senior Bailey West, this season isn’t just about playing well—it’s about setting the tone for those around her. “Increase my overall stats and be more of a leader,” she said of her personal goals heading into her final year with the Wildcats.
That leadership shows in how West and her teammates approached the offseason. “We have been more intentional with practice, and we want success for each other,” she explained. That focus has carried over into matches, where Piedmont’s growth has been obvious. “We are a stronger team and can always come together,” she said.
With that growth comes ambition, and West knows exactly what the team is chasing. “One of our biggest goals is making it to state and competing,” she said. The Wildcats are careful not to get ahead of themselves, though. “We focus on one game at a time and work to get a win each time.”
West, who plays DS/Libero, has a sharp eye for the court. “Where the hitter is facing and the block,” she said of what she looks for when reading a defense. Preparation is key in her role, and she takes it seriously. “Stretching and dynamic warmups,” she explained when asked how she gets ready for matches with high demands.
Her mindset, however, keeps things simple and steady. “Focus on the next point,” West said, noting that volleyball is about staying locked in both defensively and offensively.
As for what she wants to leave behind when her high school career wraps up? “That I work hard and I’m a team player,” she said. Fans may not always see the effort behind the scenes, but West pointed out one defining quality of this group: “We always hold ourselves to high standards, regardless of what team we play.”
Before games, her energy gets a boost from a heavy-hitting anthem. “Enter Sandman – Metallica,” she shared as her go-to hype song. Her favorite memory so far? “Team Camp at the University of Arkansas,” West said.
For this senior leader, it’s all about making every last point, practice, and memory count.
