Ebert’s defensive dexterity is key to three-peat hopes for Daisies
Siena Ebert might look out of place wearing the libero jersey on the volleyball court, but she feels right at home.
The defense-only role is often populated by players who don’t have the height or hops to play at the net. At 5 feet 11 inches, the Hockaday junior would fit right in alongside the hitters and blockers up front.
However, she’s chosen to play in the back ever since she was introduced to the sport six years ago. And she continues to thrive as a defensive stalwart for Hockaday, which is seeking its third consecutive SPC championship this fall.
“I just fell in love with libero. Digging has always been my favorite,” Ebert said. “You’re not the one getting all those points on the board, but you’re important in setting the team up for success.”
Indeed, Ebert’s serve-receive and passing skills have been vital for the Daisies, who have a younger roster following the graduation of high-profile hitters such as Avery Jackson (now at Stanford) and Olivia Wayne (now at Duke).
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“She had some really good older leaders around her that got to carry the load. She could kind of see what the level of play was and settle in,” said Hockaday head coach Allison Curran. “Now that those attackers are gone, she’s taken over a lot of the responsibilities she’s been able to share before.”
Curran said Ebert’s flexibility and body frame help to extend her range as a libero, and complement her intuitive knowledge of the game.
“She takes up so much space,” Curran said. “It doesn’t matter if she’s beat in terms of position or if her feet aren’t there. Her reach gives her an advantage.”
Ebert, who has already committed to play volleyball at Princeton starting in 2027, also is expanding her impact off the court through her passion for baking.
Two years ago, she and her sister, Celine — now a freshman volleyball player at Johns Hopkins — began selling brownies as a fundraiser for a rural elementary school in southern Turkey that had been devastated by earthquakes.
Since their mother is a Turkish native, the cause was personal. Ebert has continued Bake for Change by selling treats a few days a month in the Hockaday bookstore, and donating the profits.
“It’s taught me a lot of business skills for the real world,” Ebert said. “Getting to turn that passion into something that has led to actual change is really meaningful.”
