Laurel Highlands senior Sara Reed recently achieved a significant milestone in her volleyball career, surpassing 1,000 career assists during a match against Thomas Jefferson. The match took place on her home court at the Harold “Horse” Taylor Memorial Gymnasium. Reed’s accomplishment places her among the elite players in the sport, showcasing her skills as a setter—a role she likens to that of a quarterback in football.
Beginning her volleyball journey in seventh grade, Reed made her varsity debut as a setter during her sophomore year. Her understanding of the game and ability to read plays have been pivotal. Following the milestone, she demonstrated her prowess further by recording an impressive 39 assists in a subsequent match against Ringgold.
Reed acknowledges that the setter position often goes unnoticed compared to outside hitters, who frequently draw applause for their powerful spikes. “After my first year in volleyball, I started to really work hard at it,” Reed stated. “I joined Alliance Volleyball Club in Mount Pleasant before moving on to P3R (Pittsburgh Three Rivers). I can say with 100 percent certainty that playing club volleyball has helped me to be the player I am today.”
As she approaches 600 digs and 100 aces for her career, Reed remains focused on contributing to her team’s success. The Mustangs finished their regular season in a tie for second place with Belle Vernon in Section 3-3A, and are now preparing for the WPIAL playoffs. “Defense is so important, especially when you are playing those top-level teams that we will see in the playoffs,” she said. Reed’s experience as a libero on her club team has enhanced her defensive skills, allowing her to support her teammates effectively.
Reed emphasizes the importance of communication on the court, a skill she takes pride in nurturing. “I relish the opportunity to make calls for my teammates. I have never been the tallest player, and even though I can jump, I can’t get high enough to be an outside hitter, which is fine,” she noted.
Throughout her high school career, the Mustangs have qualified for the postseason in each of Reed’s four years on the team. Recently crowned Homecoming Queen, she expresses pride in being part of successful teams. “It is pretty nice to have qualified for the playoffs all four years that I’ve been in high school,” she remarked. “We are all friends off the court, and I believe that camaraderie has really helped us as a team. We really work well together.”
Looking ahead, Reed plans to attend Slippery Rock University to study early elementary and special education. While she does not intend to continue playing volleyball at the collegiate level, she remains open to the possibility if the opportunity arises.
