WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — The Harrison Raider Girls volleyball team describes her as aggressive, a natural leader, and a fearless competitor.
The junior outside hitter, Della Bossung, is this week’s Athlete of the Week.
“I just do my best to try to lead the team in a positive way, by example, and by being more uplifting. I try to encourage my teammates as much as I can because volleyball is hard as it is, let alone with teammates who don’t support you. So, I think we all kind of do a good job of trying to build each other up. Rather than tear each other down,” Bossung told Sports 18.
After filling the role of the now Division I athlete, Head Coach Jacklyn Lehe believes Bossung’s transition has been seamless.
“She stepped into that role and never looked back. She’s not scared of a challenge. She’s not scared of making mistakes and still going at it and she’s always aggressive and that’s one thing we love about her. That’s one thing we always ask of her,” Lehe said Tuesday night.
Her presence on the court speaks for itself. A combination of tenacity and perseverance, which Bossung believes she’s always had.
“I just was raised super competitive. I’ve always been a really competitive person and I’ve tried to win any competition that I’m in. So, I think just being competitive and wanting that point has sparked my aggression,” Bossung stated.
In the locker room, Coach Lehe says Bossung is usually the one who sets the tone for the Raiders.
“I’d say she’s kind of our hype girl! She’s always always very high and energetic. It doesn’t matter if we’re up or down, she always finds a way to get the girls going,” she said.
Bossung says the team’s chemistry makes the game easy to approach.
“I think we have a really good connection and we play well together. Playing together last year we kind of have the same group with our libero returning so, I think that we all play well together. Off the court, we’re super goofy and we love to do our dances, so we have a lot of fun at practices and in the locker room.”
Looking beyond personal accolades and individual praise, Bossung sets her sights on what’s best for the team.
“Definitely competing for another sectional. We know we want to get back there and have the opportunity to compete for another sectional championship,” Bossung said.
