January 2, 2024

We’re proud to be a part of an ongoing partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is sponsoring our Player of the Week award. We’ll be releasing a featured vballrecruiter.com Player of the Week, sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, on Tuesdays. Below is this week’s Player of the Week: Carsyn Comer. *** Carsyn Comer is a 5-star recruit from the Class of 2027 and a rare middle blocker who plays six rotations. As a freshman this past season at Westfield, she left an impressive mark by finishing first in blocks with 68 and third in kills with 195, which was only six away from tying for tops. She wrapped up last club season by helping Munciana to a bronze medal in 14 Open at the AAU Girls Junior National Championships in Orlando and is poised to make another run at the podium in 2024 playing on Munciana 15 Open Blue. A former softball player, Comer was introduced to volleyball through a rec league where she started falling in love with her new sport. “Volleyball always felt different,” Comer said. “When I think about volleyball, I think about having a future in college. Softball was more the social part of it. I loved playing with my friends, but I dreaded going to practice every day and that ultimately led to my decision.” For most of her volleyball days Comer’s roamed the court as a middle, but she does have a little bit of experience playing on both the left and right. One thing she really enjoys about getting to play six rotations is the opportunity to be a factor in the back row. “I do really love playing defense and being in the back row,” Comer said. “I’ve played back row the past two years and I like being in the game at all times. I like the challenge of it. A lot of other teams see the middle in the back row and want to go right at her. I like the challenge of proving people wrong on that stereotype.” Most everyone from last year’s 14s squad returns this go around. The group came alive at AAUs last summer. They suffered their only loss in the semifinals to A5 14 Helen. It has Comer and company looking forward to getting back at it and gearing up for another shot at medaling. “I’m super excited,” Comer said. “We added a few new girls and they are really good additions. Our chemistry is really good already throughout the practices we have had.” Last month Comer participated in the first-ever The Red Hat Games in Dallas. Her high school team was coached by Jason Nicholson of TAV and reached the semifinals. “I didn’t really know what to expect, so I was a little nervous,” Comer said. “But I ended up being on a really good team with a good group of girls. It was a really fun experience all-around being with so many players and good competition.” As our featured Player of the Week sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, we recently spoke with Comer about volleyball and more. Who is a role model or someone you look up to? Comer: I would definitely say my mom. She’s super hard working and an all-around kind person. I aspire mentally to have her mentality and just to do my best to be like her. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would you do and why? Comer: I would want to go somewhere like Costa Rica or somewhere in Asia where I could take a long hike and see all of the views. Other than volleyball, what skill would you most like to learn and why? Comer: I would want to learn art skills. I love seeing artists work. It is so cool how they are able to manipulate works like that. I really like to paint. I’m not the best at it, but I always like it. Do you have any volleyball superstitions or rituals and if so what? Comer: With my hair I have a little superstition. I have to do some sort of braid on the championship day. I have a serving ritual where I take two slow bounces then three quick bounces then a deep breath then I serve. Aside from basic necessities, what is one thing you could not go a day without? Comer: This is a hard one. Honestly, it’s probably sweat pants. I live in sweat pants. I don’t have a favorite pair, it’s just whichever ones I grab for the day. What is one thing that instantly makes your day better or makes you smile? Comer: It’s definitely seeing one of my friends. No matter what mood I am in she’s so funny she makes my day better. Overall, she’s a bright person. What’s one of your favorite ways to have fun? Comer: It’s probably being around my friends. Even if we aren’t doing anything, just being with them makes me happy. Outside of volleyball what are you most passionate about and why? Comer: I would have to say my faith. I’m Christian and I’m really big on that. I’m always trying to grow in my faith and get closer with God. What is one thing that may surprise people about you? Comer: It’s definitely the fact that I was a pitcher for seven or eight years for softball. If you could live anywhere you wanted, where would it be and why? Comer: I would say somewhere on the East Coast. Then, you have the beach plus you still have all four seasons so it’s perfect. If you could have any super power what would it be and why? Comer: It’s another hard one. I would say maybe super-speed. It’s something I could use to get around really fast. What’s your favorite number and why? Comer: My favorite number is 2 for multiple reasons. It’s been my number in every sport I’ve played. I was also born on the 2nd. It’s always been