Before her senior volleyball season, Eagle Grove’s Tarissa Middleton said she wanted to “prioritize the little things.”
“Coach Whipple talked a lot about the little wins this year,” Middleton remarked. “And that has stuck with me.”
Those “little things” led to a “big thing” for Tarissa, who’s outstanding play this year earned her a place on the Top of Iowa-West’s All-Conference team as an Honorable Mention.
The outside hitter, who is also an All-Conference player in softball, led all Eagle Grove volleyball players with 79 kills and 133 digs in 19 matches this fall. She was also the top server for the purple and gold, finishing with 21 aces on the season.
Any local fans that were in attendance at Eagle Grove Elementary this year saw firsthand the level of intensity that Middleton is known to bring to her matches.
“My best attributes on the court this season have been my communication, energy, and hustle,” she commented during a recent interview. “ I got numerous compliments on how much energy and passion I brought to the court every night. Which was ultimately my goal.”
That energy was infectious for the Eagles, and Middleton’s play and leadership was crucial in all three of their wins this season.
“Support your teammates, remain positive, and never give up on your goals and dreams for the program,” Middleton answered when asked what advice she would give to a young Eagle volleyball player. “Being a leader and a role model matters way more in the end than anything.”
