Playing above her age is as natural for Izzy Reed as playing above the net.
A sophomore outside hitter for Greenwood Christian Academy, Reed has already achieved go-to status as a player, leader and trusted confidant.
First-year Cougars coach Kelsey Souders is appreciative, to say the least.
“I had to look to somebody,” said Souders, who took the GCA job after serving as Franklin’s freshman coach last season. “But she was open and ready for the leadership. Izzy is the leader of the team, and the girls don’t even question it. It’s like having another assistant coach.”
The oldest of five children, Izzy is expected to be a leader at home as well.
Reed is from an athletic family. Her father Craig, a 1995 Greenwood graduate, played golf for the Woodmen, and her mother, Olivia (Oxley), excelled in volleyball and basketball at Greenwood before graduating in 1997.
“Izzy has always been sort of a built-in mommy,” Olivia said, laughing. “She doesn’t have a lot of free time, but when she does she babysits, helps the other kids with their school projects or just shoots baskets with them.
“She genuinely loves her siblings, and you can tell. As a parent, it just makes your heart happy.”
Greenwood Christian graduated 74 percent of its kills and 76 percent of its digs from a senior-laden squad that finished 25-9 and lost to Indianapolis Lutheran in the final of the Class A Morristown Sectional.
Sharing the court with five seniors at the start of every match, Reed made an impact as a ninth-grader with 135 kills, 191 digs and 58 service aces.
This season she’s had to take on greater responsibility, both statistically and in helping bring along teammates less experienced at the varsity level. GCA has three freshmen and two other sophomores on the roster.
“It’s different. Last year I had five natural leaders around me,” said Reed, who turns 16 in December. “I led in ways I could, but there were a ton of leaders on that team. What I try to do now is be encouraging no matter what.
“If I get down on myself, it affects the team. I hope teammates feed off the positivity.”
Reed leads GCA (8-9) in kills and digs.
“Their team had so many seniors, and I think (Reed) was a little underused,” Souders said. “I understand why the coach did that, but Izzy just has so much raw talent. She is really committed to the game and to getting better.”
