Varsity girls volleyball captain Sydney Cheatham is ready to guide her undefeated team towards a conference championship

https://vimeo.com/76966050

By Staff Writer John Conway

Production by Sports Editor Jay Ahuja, Camera and Editing by Photographer Juan Jara

John Conway caught up with the varsity girls volleyball captain, NNHS senior Sydney Cheatham, to discuss her athletic career and the team’s prospects. The volleyball team has faced all the Dupage Valley Conference (DVC) teams at least once this season, and the girls still remain undefeated in the DVC. Cheatham hopes to finish her last season with a conference championship and possibly more.

Q: What is the best thing about your sport?

A: Definitely the experience on the court. I think that is something indescribable; it’s an amazing feeling to be playing with girls with the same goals and talents as yourself.

Q: What is the worst thing about your sport?

A: Definitely losing. I’m definitely a winning type of player. I’m really passionate on the court. If we lose, that’s something I really hate. Winning is awesome.

Q: How far do you want to go with your sport?

A: This year, our team is looking forward to going to state. We have a great group of girls with a lot of talent, and a lot of professionals who help take care of us.

Q: What is the most important contribution you have made to your team?

A: I’ve been on varsity, and this is my third year. I think being an experienced senior and captain is a great way to contribute to the team and to influence the younger ones. We certainly have a very diversified team, with many younger girls, like sophomores and juniors, and I think having seniors who are experienced can help them on the court.

Q: How have you evolved as an athlete over the years?

A: As an athlete, I have grown mentally tough, in [some] ways more than physically. I have always had the physical aspect of an athlete, but the mentality is something really hard to grow. But, I think that is something I have definitely grown into.

Q: What coaches/mentors have inspired you over the years?

A: I have had really different coaches, but one coach who really stood out for me was Dawei Shen, who is a National Chinese Coach. He is the one who drove in me that, in order to play volleyball, you have to play with heart. You have to do it for your life, and you have to play it like it’s your last.