Last Saturday’s volleyball match against Allen marked a milestone for setter Lexi Crum during their victory over the Canaries.

The junior settled under the ball, setting up teammate Joey Shaul who knocked it down for the point. With that play during the second set, Crum hit the 1,000 assist mark for her career.

Crum said that she knew she was close to the mark, needing only 125 helpers to reach 1,000 once the 2020 season got underway. She wasn’t sure exactly when the moment would arrive, but once she saw head coach Victoria Bobyak hold up two fingers during the first set, she knew it would happen at some point during Saturday’s match.

Once Shaul got the ball down, the game was stopped and her teammates celebrated the moment, holding up posters that marked the historic accomplishment.

The surprise ceremony surrounding the achievement had an impact on the junior who has been a pivotal part of their program since she stepped onto the court.

“It was an emotional moment for me,” said Crum.

It was made more special since her family got to witness the moment, something that wasn’t a given once the season began. Along with her immediate family, that list also included her grandmother, as well as some aunts, and Crum was thankful that they all got to share the moment as a family.

Crum has been the team’s setter since her freshman season. She’s missed part of last year with an injury, and has emerged this year with the mindset of becoming a leader. She said that as a freshman she quickly found out that she needed to step up her game. She was relatively inexperienced, but as her varsity career grew, she knew that it was incumbent upon her to take on more of a leadership role. That was her focus this season.

“I believe becoming a leader has helped the entire team,” she said.

The Zephyrs prevailed in Saturday’s match against the Canaries, winning in four sets, 25-12, 23-25, 26-24, 25-14.

Crum said that she began playing volleyball in seventh grade. The following year she started playing club volleyball, and her commitment to the sport began to take root. Eventually, she was encouraged to consider becoming a setter since that position would be vacant as she entered her freshman season. Once she took the spot, it felt like home.

“I tried it and I really loved it,” said Crum.

Her game has evolved since that first foray onto the court in middle school. She said that playing with East Coast Power Volleyball has helped develop her game. Last year she played with EC Power LV-16 Columbia, and plans to continue her association with club ball, as well as taking private lessons. She believes all that work has had a positive impact on her growth as a player.

“I feel it paid off,” said Crum.

Crum’s high school career has been marked by a number of different coaches. She said that the turnover has been similar during her time playing club ball. She said that she’s tried to implement the things she’s learned from these coaches and apply them on the court. She said it was important to get their feedback and feels it’s helped her continue to develop her game.

“I felt it was important to take a little bit from everyone,” she said.

After Monday’s loss to Allentown Central Catholic, the Zephyrs are 4-5 on the season. They have two matches remaining as a rematch with ACC looms on Wednesday, followed by the season finale against Parkland on Friday. She knows they’ll have their work cut out for them if they wish to make the postseason, but she’s looking forward to the challenge. She hasn’t experienced the district playoffs since her freshman season and she’s eager to return.

She’s also targeting 2,000 assists and feels that’s within her grasp. As for her volleyball future once she graduates, Crum said that she’s considering playing in college but hasn’t made any firm decisions.