By Derrick Smith

Coaches play a big role in the lives of many high school student athletes. Not only do they help the athletes learn how to play the game, they are also an example and mentor to them as well. Verdigris’ Logan Hamilton says that the biggest influence on her life has been one of her coaches. 

“On of the biggest influences on my life is Liz McVicker,” she said. “She was my first coach and really the one who introduced me to the sport.  She made practices fun and I learned so much that summer. She is more than a coach but also like family and I am grateful for all she has done for me.”

Hamilton is a junior at Verdigris High School. She is currently a member of the Lady Cardinals’ volleyball team, but in the past she has played other sports.

“I grew up playing soccer and basketball and I also ran track,” she said. “I wasn’t able to play the other sports in high school last year because of conflicting schedules with club volleyball.  I loved being a multi sport athlete.”

Becoming the athlete she is today has not been something that has just been handed to Hamilton. She has had to work a lot in order to get where she is.
“I go to the gym outside of practice,” she said. “I also have private lessons to work on all aspects of my game. I have played club since my first year of volleyball and it has helped me become a better player.”

The success has not just been Logan’s, but she and her teammates together have made some great memories.

“The highlight of my career would have to be when our team made it to the state tournament last year,” she said. “I am really enjoying playing with my friends from school and the success we are having.  Believing that we will make another run at state this year.  I wanna do what I can to help one of my great friends Emma get to state as she was quarantined for it last year. I want all of these seniors, this team to have the best one yet.”