With Lydia Fisher and Brooklyn Bailey departing to Gonzaga and Memphis, respectively, from last year’s Class 5A State Championship volleyball team, Highland Park had big shoes to fill in the middle.
Fortunately for head coach Michael Dearman and the Lady Scots, a freshman has stepped in to save the day.
Annabelle Strohbehn has been a revelation at middle blocker for HP in her debut season and is a key reason the Lady Scots will again have lofty expectations when the postseason gets underway.
“Freshmen generally have a big learning curve,” Dearman said. “When you look at the maturity level, it just normally takes time for a freshman to get comfortable at this level. But Annabelle has been the exception. She has stepped in from day one and been on point the whole time.”
Strohbehn credits her time competing in club volleyball (her Dallas Skyline 14 Royal Erin squad is among the premier teams in the nation and vied for a national championship this summer), as a reason for her ability to hit the ground running.
“I wasn’t even sure if I was going to play much because everyone on this team is so amazing,” Strohbehn said. “But I think playing club has really helped me a lot. It prepared me for the competition, especially against older girls, because they play at such a faster speed. It took some time getting used to, but I felt pretty prepared.”
On the court, Strohbehn has been among HP’s leaders in kills and blocks despite her status as an underclassman.
And while Dearman knew Strohbehn would be able to contribute in those categories after tracking her progress throughout her club play, even he has been surprised by the level at which she has done so.
“We’ve watched her grow up and develop as a player and she’s shown us everything we’ve needed to see,” he said. “Especially last year, I watched her really closely throughout the whole year and her club season. She was on the best team in the nation and while the 14s level she plays at is lower than the varsity level here, playing with and against the best teams around the state and nation helps.
“I knew going into the season that she would be able to step in and help us, the question was how much? That I didn’t know and I’d say she’s exceeded what even I thought she could bring to us. The sky is the limit for her.”
Dearman credits a quick swing and strong court vision for Strohbehn’s offensive prowess, and Strohbehn herself admits her offense is a tad ahead of her defense at this juncture.
“I think one of my strengths is my hitting,” she said. “And the area I’m focusing on most is my blocking just because there’s been some inconsistency there. I think it will come with more repetition. It was a big jump from 14-year-olds to seniors because of the speed and the court you have to cover.”
She has also benefited from examples set by her upperclassmen teammates, as well as a coaching staff that has led Strohbehn’s predecessors to consistent team and individual success.
“I really try to be as similar to Marlee (Roehm) as I can because she’s so good,” Strohbehn said. “Everything she does is perfect, so I really strive to be like her. And then obviously really listening to my coaches because they have a different point of view. So I really take that to heart and try to apply it to the game.”
Entering the week of Oct. 12, Strohbehn and HP sat in sole possession of second in District 12-5A, trailing only Colleyville Heritage with a rematch against the Lady Panthers still looming (Heritage took the first meeting, 3-1) as well as matches against Carrollton Creekview, Carrollton Newman Smith and Richland.
Then the Lady Scots will hit the postseason and attempt to defend their state crown.
“I think we can do it again, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute to that,” Strohbehn said. “We’re getting healthy now and all of the puzzle pieces are starting to come together. Our game against Richland was our best match and everything was working cohesively. That’s what we’re trying to build on.”
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