Valparaiso junior libero Lily Simpson has long known what she wants.
In the midst of a breakout season, Simpson is channeling her momentum into a push toward her next goal: playing college volleyball.
“I want to play at the highest level I possibly can, and I’m just looking for a program that wants me and will give me the opportunity I need to succeed,” she said.
Simpson describes herself as a driven, hardworking athlete with a deep love for the sport.
“I’m excited to see how far I can go beyond high school,” she said.
Given Simpson’s growth between her sophomore and junior seasons, she may not be alone in that excitement. She and senior outside hitter Avery Mullin have formed a dynamic duo for the Vikings (16-14, 6-7), who have surpassed their 2024 win total and been more competitive in the Duneland Athletic Conference.
With two regular-season matches left before sectionals begin next week, Simpson has 410 digs, 45 aces and 495 receptions, all team highs. She ranks second in the conference and is in the top 20 statewide in digs.
Simpson’s consistency on defense and emergence as the team’s top server have drawn attention, but her mindset has most impressed Valparaiso coach Katie Lenard.
“When Lily made varsity as a freshman, she was the only freshman on the team,” Lenard said. “It was a challenge to make the switch from middle school to high school and instantly be surrounded by the older girls on the team.”
According to Lenard, Simpson began to come into her own as a sophomore, becoming a more vocal presence among her older teammates and earning the starting libero role. This season, she has taken another step forward.
“She was voted team captain by her teammates and absolutely runs the back row now on the court,” Lenard said. “Her confidence has grown, and I’m really proud of her.”
Lenard, who is in her 19th season as coach of the Vikings, said Simpson’s mentality sets her apart from other standout players who have come before her.
“She’s able to remain positive in tough situations and never gets rattled,” Lenard said. “Whether she’s hanging out with teammates or speaking up in the huddle, she always has something positive and productive to say. I think each and every one of her teammates look up to her because of that.”
Simpson’s upbeat attitude extends beyond the court. It’s a trait that inspires teammate and friend Nicole Bontrager, a sophomore setter. According to Bontrager, Simpson is quite the comedian as well.
“Being around her makes me a better person and a better player,” Bontrager said. “She makes me feel included both on and off the court.
“And something most people don’t know is that she’s really funny. She makes a whole bunch of jokes, and she laughs at everything.”
In the classroom, Simpson gravitates toward science, a fitting interest for someone who aspires to work in medicine.
“I want to be in the medical field when I’m older,” she said. “All the women in my family are in the medical field too. So I’ve always wanted to keep that going. My main goal is to be a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist).”
Before Simpson pursues any career, she has some unfinished business with the Vikings.
“From a team standpoint, I really just want to see us finish the season strong,” she said. “Everybody gets caught up on wins and losses and forgets why we started playing volleyball in the first place — because we love the sport and the fun that comes with it.
“For myself, I really want to reach 1,000 career digs and do it while keeping a positive mindset.”
Noah Poser is a freelance reporter.
