This year, the Yutan volleyball team is ranked second in the state, and senior Gabi Tederman is ready to help the team aim for something even better. 

“Our main team goal is to win state, and I think we’re 100 percent capable of doing that,” Tederman said. “My personal goal is to just be a team leader on the court.”

With these goals in mind, Tederman has done a lot to prepare for this season. 

“I’ve spent a lot of time in the weight room. Because I’m an under-sized hitter, I need to have other advantages, like athleticism,” Tederman said. “I have to work on explosiveness, so I can get a better vertical to help me hit and just be quicker.”

All this work that she has put in was motivated by her struggle as an underclassman.

“Once upon a time, I was a wimpy little freshman. I didn’t play much varsity as a freshman, and after starting all of sophomore year, I wanted to quit because I didn’t love volleyball anymore,” Tederman said. “That’s when I got into lifting and really hit the gym hard.” 

Tederman states that all this work she put in is what helped her “to improve so much,”  though she also credits her improvements to a change in her mindset.

“I had become a completely different player and competitor because I stopped putting so much of my worth in volleyball and put it in the Lord,” Tederman said. “That took a lot of pressure off of me and helped me love volleyball again.”

One of Tederman’s teammates, senior Mckenna Jones, has noticed Tederman’s mental and physical growth over the years. 

“As a player, Gabi’s gained a lot more confidence over the years,” Jones said. “She’s also become a threat to other teams because she’s a powerful hitter and smart as to where she puts the ball.”

Not only has Tederman improved herself, but she is also pushing her teammates to get better.

“Gabi pushes me to want to work harder on and off the court,” Jones said. “She’s always giving her all and wants to improve in anything she does.” 

The results from Tederman’s hard work and determination speak for themselves.

“Last season, I had over 300 kills and 300 digs,” Tederman said. “This year, I am constantly looking to evolve as a player and make improvements each game.”

Tederman knows that the success of the team isn’t just based on each individual’s skills, however, but how the team works together as a whole.

“We have a lot of talent on this team, and we also have a lot of love for each other, so I know that we can go really far with both of those combinations,” Tederman said.

With the close bond that the team has, it is important to Tederman to “set a good example on and off the court.”

“I care a lot about our team, so it matters a whole lot to me to show up for them every day,” Tederman said. “I do my best to set a good example, and I hope I also inspire everyone to work hard and improve.”

Although Tederman has high standards for herself and the team, with her mindset shift she understands that the sport is more than just wins and losses.

“Volleyball is just a game, so at the end of the day, it’s just for fun,” Tederman said. “It’s okay to make mistakes along the way because no athlete is perfect.”

Tederman’s positive approach has led to an uplifting environment for the team, especially for her sister, sophomore Emmy Tederman. 

“Playing with Gabi is fun because she has lots of energy, and she’s always positive,” Emmy said. “If you shank a ball, she’s always there to lift you up during the game when it’s tough.”

Because of the leadership role she has taken on this year, Tederman’s impact on the team will not go unnoticed, even after the season is concluded. 

“When [Gabi’s] gone, it will be very different and like an empty space because she’s a big leader on our team right now,” Emmy said. “It will definitely be a change from this year to next year.”

Although Tederman’s high school career is almost over, she has been presented with the opportunity to play volleyball at the next level. Tederman does not have any specific plans yet, but she is currently going through the recruiting process.

“I’m going through the recruiting process as if I am planning on playing in college,” Tederman said. “I just love volleyball and the people it connects me with, so I will probably have something to do with volleyball for the rest of my life, even if I don’t decide to play competitively.”

While Tederman is looking forward to the next chapter of her life, for now she wants to enjoy her last season with the team.

“Volleyball is a team sport, and I just want to be a good leader and teammate,” Tederman said. “Mostly, I just want to enjoy my last year here with a group of girls I love.”