South Prairie-Max Senior Achieves Milestone in Volleyball

In South Prairie, North Dakota, senior Azjiah Trader has made headlines this volleyball season by achieving a remarkable milestone: hitting her 1,000th career kill. Trader, a key player for the South Prairie-Max Royals, is celebrated not just for this achievement, but also for her exceptional skills at the net.

Trader’s impressive performance comes as her team continues to excel in the rankings. Her attacking style and precision in the game have often been described as nearly flawless. How is it that Trader has reached such a high level of skill? It all comes down to the philosophy that “Perfect practice makes perfect.” This saying underscores the importance of diligent training and the numerous repetitions necessary to master any sport.

To foster these skills, Trader participates in both her school program and club volleyball. The club program, particularly the NCR All-Stars Indoor High Performance/RTDP, offers pathways for young athletes to train under experienced coaches and compete at higher levels. This was echoed by Beth Modaff, the Event Director for North Country Region – USA Volleyball, highlighting that players get to showcase their skills at the USA All-Star Championships, the only international junior volleyball tournament in the United States.

To qualify for the All-Star team, players must go through a rigorous selection process. Initial tryouts occur across several states, where talented players are evaluated by a coaching staff made up of high school and collegiate coaches. Trader has successfully completed this process, making her one of the select few from her region to earn a spot on the NCR All-Star Team.

While Trader has logged 1,000 kills during her high school career, it’s estimated she may have practiced thousands of times to hone her skills. As she continues her final season with the Royals, her journey reflects not just individual talent but also the dedication required to succeed in volleyball.

With the postseason approaching, Trader’s achievements and hard work serve as an inspiration to teammates and aspiring athletes alike, proving that with determination and practice, milestones are within reach.