Tyler Horning/Collegian
Scott is a strong leader for the volleyball team and AMA.
Senior Heidi Scott is hoping to help take the Hillsdale College volleyball team to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.
As outside hitter and natural leader both on and off the court, Scott has contributed to a successful Charger squad.
Scott's leadership and skill will be essential for Hillsdale to challenge at Nationals.
"Our own [GLIAC] division is tough," head coach Chris Gravel said. "Probably six of the first eight GLIAC tournament teams will also be at the national conference."
En route to conference play, Scott has experienced many important victories this season. Scott said defeating rivals Northwood shows the potential for the team.
"I don't think since my coaches have been here we have beaten [Northwood]," Scott said. "It was a hard match, five games, and we were the underdogs."
Scott also played this year when the team defeated defending national champions North Alabama.
"We know we can beat any of the teams," Scott said.
The heightened success of the team stands out as the program has developed in recent years. Personally, Scott has also experienced a change in her game, when she moved from middle hitter to outside hitter this season.
In having the ability to play two positions, Scott adds versatility to the team.
"She can run the quick offense better than anyone. It allows me to run different match-ups," Gravel said. "There are many strong right-side attackers in our conference."
The outside hitter position requires aggression and powerful hits.
"She always hit the ball hard, now she hits the ball so hard, it's really hard," Gravel said.
Scott played through injuries in her early college career and according to Gravel, picked up the outside position quickly.
"She knows I'm a coach that asks for a lot. It never occurred to her to complain about it, she just learned," Gravel said.
Scott, as a senior leader, helps recruits and new players stay on task with team rules. She easily recalls the beginning of her college career.
"It was intimidating for the school and the program," Scott said. "You come from being the star, and now everyone has been a star."
The team also bonds and remains positive with on-court traditions. For instance, Scott and defensive specialist Erin Bartee have a special hand clap when entering and leaving the game.
"Before every home game me and three of my teammates, Lindsey [Eshelman], Megan [Howard] and Becky[Gzegorski] play a game of short court," Scott said.
Scott has also earned prominent distinctions outside of volleyball. Scott holds a position on the GLIAC All-Academic team for scholar athletes and is the president of the American Marketing Association. Her position with AMA coincides with her Marketing Management major.
Scott guides many activities with AMA, including bringing speakers to campus and organizing real-world experienced for marketing majors.
"We're putting together a marketing plan for the football team," Scott said. "We're looking for full out marketing plan that can be carried out in future years."
Football head coach Keith Otterbein approached Scott and AMA before the season began. Recent promotions such as the student raffle were arranged by the group. Overall, the plan is still in development, with goals to increase student attendance and participation during games.
After graduation Scott will soon have another important part of her life with which to stay busy. Scott has been engaged for over two years and will be married May 21.