Stadheim scores 1,000th set assist

NRHEG’s Addy Stadheim reached the coveted 1,000 career set assists mark last week in a 3-0 win over JWP, with the memorable achievement coming in an atypical moment.

With the game on the line, Stadheim knew that she was close to the mark, but had no idea it would come during the pinnacle of the match.

“Thankfully it was literally game point, so we didn’t have to waste a timeout,” said Stadheim with a laugh. “Coach Tennis had a sign and the whole student section had signs, so it was really fun. Especially since it was match point. I really got to soak it all in and it was such a great environment.”

What makes Stadheim’s feat all the more impressive was how quickly she was able to achieve the milestone.

“I actually sat my sophomore year before I began playing as a junior,” said Stadheim.

In less than two full seasons Stadheim managed to reach a mark that is primarily accomplished by three- or four-year starters.

According to her, exactly when the big moment would occur was kept a secret by her coach, Bethany Tennis.

“I was trying to count because I figured it was coming up. I got almost 600 my first season on varsity, so I knew I was going to get it. But she turned the count off at around 800, so I didn’t know how far I was. They completely surprised me,” said Stadheim.

According to Tennis, Stadheim’s ascent to the milestone mark is the result of a lot of hard work controlling the Panthers’ talented offense.

“Addy does a really good job of making sure that people get the ball. She also does a nice job of watching the other team’s defense and knowing where to set her teammates up to attack. It’s the result of a lot of hard work. You set a 5-1 and that’s tough work to set 100% of the time. She controls the game and sets the tempo,” said Tennis.

Stadheim’s efforts have been crucial in helping NRHEG build a 16-5-1 record.

With section playoffs looming, the Panthers are hoping to receive a high seed for home court advantage, and to work on making a deep run.