The whistle blows, everyone takes their positions, and the ball is served.  Senior Grant Longland spots the ball barreling toward him.  He dives and saves it. A perfect dig.

    Longland has played volleyball since the second grade, and now the game has become an even greater part of him.

   “I’ve played volleyball for ten years. A lot of the influence came from my parents who both played as well. Now, I’m extremely grateful that I’ll be able to continue playing at Lindenwood – Belleville,” said Longland.

    During his free time, Longland can almost always be found on the court perfecting his defensive game.

    “As the libero, I’m the defensive specialist. I have to always be prepared to make a dig especially in key moments,” said Longland.

    Much of that practice has definitely paid off.

    After an outstanding season last year by making it to the State Semifinals,  Longland aspires to make another State appearance in his final year of volleyball.

    “What we did last year was outstanding. I want to do even better this year and I know we can,” said Longland.

   This year Longland, along with seniors Ryan Hoyer and Ian Piskulic, will help lead the team to another successful season. They hope to create an even stronger bond between every player.

   “The main thing is making sure we have team chemistry. We have to make sure everyone gets along and is excited to play and compete. We are a pretty new team this year and we have to get into that groove and look to make a run at the end of the season,” said Longland.

   Longland definitely believes that without the support of his family and teammates in playing the game that he loves, he would be a completely different person today.