Greenli Van Zandt Making Name For Herself With Schulenburg Volleyball

Greenli Van Zandt was a standout volleyball player last year in Flatonia, but moved to Schulenburg this season.

She stepped right in and made an immediate impact for the Lady Horns, but she’s taken it to another level recently.

She was the team leader in kills on both matches last week as Schulenburg knocked off Giddings and La Grange.

“She’s a great addition to our team. She can jump out of the gym – wants to be the best player she can be. Trying to learn our system is totally different for her,” Schulenburg head coach Donald Zapalac said. “She’s really turned it on the last couple of weeks, I’ve seen some tremendous growth there. She’s our leading hitter right now for kills and she’s done a tremendous job.”

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

Here’s our interview with her:

You played at Flatonia last year. Talk about making the move here to Schulenburg and how it’s gone?

“I’ve moved schools a lot so the transition was okay. I knew some people from here already because we were in the same district. It’s been a good move, and I’ve been thankful.”

You might have the most unique first name in the district? What’s the story on the name Greenli?

“My mom actually got it from the show ‘All My Children.’ I guess one of the kids was named Greenli. I like it. It’s very unique.”

Do you have any nicknames or funny stories of people misunderstanding that name?

“Most people spell it wrong. I get called ‘G.’ That’s my main nickname.

You are only a junior but do you have any idea what you want to do after graduation? What is your dream job? “I know I want to go to college. I don’t know where or what I want to do yet.”

What other activities are you involved in at school and in the community?

“I run track. I’m a varsity cheerleader. I do FFA, FCA, Student Council, NHS. I’m pretty involved.”

What is your favorite subject in school this year and why?

“Floral Design. It’s fun and different from your main subjects.It’s a different take on your day that’s not so exhausting.”

Starting this year Texas banned cell phones during See the school day. What’s that been like?

“It’s pretty boring because you can’t just pull out your cell phone and go on it ... It’s nice to be able to go on it off campus after lunch so at least we get to have 30 minutes on it.”

If you could have dinner with three famous people who would you pick?

“Megan Moroney because she’s one of my favorite artists for country music ... Madisen Skinner because I look up to her as a volleyball player ... and maybe Zac Efron, he’s in a lot of movies.”

Landry Zapalac is one of the best setters in the area. What’s it like playing so closely with her?

“I used to watch her and now I get to play on her team. She’s a very collaborative setter and very encouraging.”

What’s become your favorite place to eat in Schulenburg and what is your goto order there? “Taco Bell ... I get the Crunch Wrap Supreme with the Doritos Taco instead of the normal crunchy taco – and a Baja Blast.”

What part of your volleyball game are you proudest of and what part do you feel like needs the most work?

“I’d say my volleyball IQ has gotten better since playing club ball. My blocking needs to be better.”

Complete this sentence: This will be a successful volleyball season if ____.

“... we all play together as a team and communicate, know what our tendencies are, know who is going for what, and trust each other.”