The atmosphere was rocking as senior Katie Lowe took the volleyball court for what most expected to be her record-breaking game. Even though it was a Monday night, fans showed up by the numbers to watch Lowe make history.
“[Breaking the record] shows how much I have improved over the season and how much my team supports me,” Lowe said.
On Sept. 8, she broke the all-time career assists record, previously held by Devon Haynes in 2008. It is something she has worked toward since her 8th grade year.
“We don’t try to focus a lot on individual records, but this is a big deal,” said Varsity Volleyball head coach Jeff Wilson.
To add to the excitement of the game, the team played their rival, The First Academy. Although they lost, the Saints won one set against TFA.
During the 4th set of the game, Lowe got her 1,305 assist. At that point, the game was paused so that the record could be announced; Lowe kept the ball. The setter from the opposing team even shook Lowe’s hand under the net to congratulate her. After the game, the Saints signed the volleyball and celebrated together with cake. According to Wilson, everyone played with a little bit more power and energy to help Lowe achieve more assists.
“In the back of everybody’s mind is this is a chance to be part of school history,” said Wilson.
Lowe has been on the varsity volleyball team since her 8th grade year. As a senior, she is one of the team’s three captains along with fellow seniors Alice Beneke and Molly Antoon.
Since her first day on the team, she has always been the first to arrive and the last to leave according to her coaches. Her work ethic and dedication year round to the Trinity team and to her club team Orlando Volleyball Academy are exceptional.
The setter is considered to be the quarterback of the team. Wilson compares the position of a setter to that of a quarterback on a football team as they both have to see and make plays before anyone else.
The team is now looking forward to the postseason. Wilson and Lowe both agree that this record was inevitable, and now it is time to move on and look forward to the postseason.
“We want to celebrate with her and then get it behind us,” Wilson said.
Trinity is in a very competitive district with state title contenders Lake Highland Prep and Bishop Moore. They are focused on playing and winning those games. Their postseason starts on Oct. 21.
“I think they have the chance to be one of the best teams in school history,” Wilson said.
As for Lowe, she has already committed to play at Florida Southern College next season. She will take her year round training to the next level. Her work ethic, dedication and training have paid off in an extraordinary way.
