This season, head volleyball coach Jazmine Hicks faced a challenge few coaches want, only four returning varsity players. The rest of the roster was filled with fresh faces learning the ropes of varsity play. That meant the veterans—Leah Meyer, Rama Diop, Sofia McCabe, and Kynedee Streeter—had to step up not just as players, but as leaders. 

“These four girls have been the backbone of this team,” Coach Hicks explained. “With so many new players, I relied on them to set the tone and show what varsity volleyball should look like.” 

The glue of the team 

Captain Leah Meyer transferred to Lamar in her junior year and has been setting the standard ever since. The senior setter is known for her fierce work ethic and calm leadership. Coach Hicks calls her “the go-getter and glue of the team,” and it’s easy to see why. 

“As captain, I try to make everyone feel comfortable, but I’m not afraid to hold people accountable,” Meyer shared. “I know what this team is capable of, so I want everyone to see that in themselves.” 

Her leadership has earned respect from both new and returning players. Younger teammates often look to Meyer for guidance, and she’s always the first to offer encouragement or tough love when needed. 

“Leah’s the balance between comfort and structure,” Coach Hicks remarked. “She knows how to get the best out of people.” 

The quiet storm 

Senior middle hitter and co-captain Rama Diop transferred to Lamar her sophomore year and has been a steady presence from then on. With this season marking her first year as co-captain, she’s stepped into the role with confidence and quiet determination. 

Described as “silent but deadly” by her teammates and coaches, Diop is a force to be reckoned with. She’s the type to smile sweetly before sending a ball flying 90 miles per hour straight at your head. “Being on the other side of Rama’s hits is honestly scary,” teammate and senior Jada Cole joked. “But having her powerful hits on our side helps with winning games — and mentoring everyone, too.” 

Coach Hicks praised Diop’s steady influence on and off the court. “Rama doesn’t have to say much to people to notice her,” Coach Hicks added. “She works hard, stays focused, and leads through her actions.” 

“I’m not the vocal type,” Diop explained. “Instead, I like to set an example for the other girls. With this being their first year on varsity, it’s my responsibility to show them how to be confident and put in the work.” 

Still, don’t mistake her calm demeanor for passivity — she might just send a ball darting straight at you and dance as her teammates chant, “Big Rama! Big Rama! Big Rama!” 

The spark that keeps them smiling 

Next, there’s Sofia McCabe, a senior setter who’s been with the program since her freshman year. Her journey’s contained a few bumps (or more like a few potholes). Last season, she clashed with the coach for reasons which, as she says, “shall not be named.” Still, her love for the game never faded. “I won’t let a bad experience with a coach make me quit the sport I love,” McCabe admitted. 

The team is glad she stayed. Known for her humor and randomness, McCabe brings balance to the intensity of varsity play. “I’m glad Sofia tried out again,” Cole shared. “She keeps the energy fun and lighthearted, which helps in tough moments, so we aren’t too down on ourselves.” 

Now, her presence is more than comic relief; it’s grounding. She cracks jokes when the pressure’s on and reminds her teammates that fun and hard work can go hand in hand. 

The rising leader 

Rounding out the group is Kynedee Streeter, the lone junior in the Core Four. Last year, during her first year on varsity, Streeter suffered a shoulder injury which kept her off the court towards the end of the season. Now patched up and stronger than ever, she’s back and hungry for redemption.  

Streeter’s improvement in terms of leadership is astounding. She’s become a student of the game, learning from the seniors as she prepares to carry the torch next year.  

“Her attitude on the court is phenomenal. She’s always encouraging us to finish through and keep our spirits up,” Cole commented. “And she provides quality feedback,” McCabe added. 

This new viewpoint has even touched her coach. “Kynedee’s like the spark that I never knew I needed until she was lit.” Coach Hicks affirmed. “Her revitalizing energy is the final piece to the puzzle that is Lamar volleyball.” 

As Streeter continues to grow and improve, she takes pride in learning all she could from the original core four. “They’ve set such a good example of what leadership and dedication look like, and I want to carry that forward,” she admitted. 

A lasting legacy 

Now that the season is over, it is time for the senior core four members to hang up their jerseys and make way for a new group of girls to shine. However, Coach Hicks isn’t worried, “What these four girls have built will carry this program for years to come, and I can’t wait to see how far they grow beyond Lamar volleyball,” Coach Hicks reflected.