Elzah Herrera a Defensive Star For the Flatonia Volleyball Team

Flatonia (17-10) is in the state volleyball rankings for the first time in years, and a big part of that rise has been the play of senior Elzah Herrera.

She’s the senior leader defensively of the Lady Bulldogs, amassing a bunch of digs every match, and she’s also among the team leaders in aces and assists.

“As a senior she has really grown and become a major student of the game,” said second year Flatonia head coach Lauren Hoffman. “She spends a lot of time watching film and really critiquing herself in a positive way to be better for her team.

“I’ve been really impressed with what she’s accomplished.”

We’re proud to honor Herrera as this week’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week.

Here’s our interview with her:

1. What has this season been like so far for you and this team?

“It’s been great. We’ve been growing since last year, we just lost one senior (from 2023) so we know what we have, and we trust each other.”

2. What is this team doing better than in previous years?

“We have more connection, trust each other on the court, and know where we need to be.”

3. What is your favorite place to eat in Flatonia and what do you order there?

See “Roberts – I get a fried chicken salad. It’s the best thing.”

4. What part of your game are you most proud of and what part do you feel like you need to improve the most?

“I think reading the court (is my strength), and I need to improve on getting into the donut area (the area in the center of the court that’s left open in some volleyball defensive alignments.)

5. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?

“Greece, it’s so pretty.”

6. In practice everyday you’ve got to face off against Flatonia’s great hitters. Which of your teammates has the hardest spike?

“I had to give it to Kat (sullivan) or Summer (Sodek). I’m still scared sometimes to dig their balls.”

7. Tell me about your head coach Lauren Hoffmann.

“She’s amazing. She’s really grown my confidence.”

8. You are a senior. Have you decided on what you want to do after high school?

“I have two options, either radiology or cosmetology.”

9. Complete this sentence. It will be a successful volleyball season if ______?

“If we make it past the first round of the playoffs, or if we get first or second in district.”

10. I hear you used to work as a lifeguard at the pool and Flatonia and once saved a kid. Tell me about that. “I was just sitting on the chair having a normal day, I see a kid (bobbing) up and down, I jumped in and saved him. But then he jumped right back in.”