Sure, the NCAA volleyball scene is getting all the buzz, but let’s not overlook the high school action heating up, especially with Lincoln-Way West. This squad is currently holding strong at number 4 in the SouthWest Suburban Conference and sits at 45 in the Illinois high school rankings with an 18-10 record. But it’s not just the team making waves in the headlines—it’s one of their standout players, who’s grabbing all the attention and turning heads in the volleyball world currently.

Lincoln-Way West’s volleyball star Lily Goyer has been killing it for the Warriors (18-10) as they gear up for a shot at the Lincoln-Way Central Autumn Knights Tournament championship this week. She’s been on varsity for three years now and already has 118 kills and a team-best 59 blocks. One of her epic showings was against Lockport in a SouthWest Suburban Conference showdown, where she slammed down nine kills and four blocks, taking the game to the wire before they fell 25-21, 17-25, 25-17. But hey, that’s not even the real tea—she’s making waves for something else!

Lincoln-Way West’s volleyball star reaches new heights (quite literally)

Lily Goyer’s been turning heads with her impressive stats on the court, but that’s not the only thing her opponents need to watch out for. During her latest check-up, Lily got a bit of a surprise that could make her an even bigger powerhouse for Lincoln-Way West. Already standing as a towering 6-foot-2 junior and commanding the middle, she’s a formidable presence.

But here’s the twist—according to The Chicago Tribune, Lily Goyer’s doctor’s visit took a curious turn when the conversation drifted to her height, and it seems like she’s still got some growing left to do! “I don’t even know how it got brought up, but they measured how tall I was,” shared Goyer. “They told me that since the last doctor’s appointment that I had, I grew half an inch or something.” And the kicker? “Then they told me I was going to grow more.” It looks like her opponents might want to watch out—she’s about to take her game (and her height) to a whole new level!

In the October 10 game against Lincoln-Way East, Lily Goyer rocked it, leading the Warriors with five kills, even though they ended up on the losing side with a tight 25-17, 25-23 score. She was the standout star of the match, showing off her skills and keeping her energy high on the court! “I’m feeling good. I feel that I’m a lot more confident. I think we’re all closer as a team and trust each other more. And it’s showing.” But is height the ultimate game-changer in volleyball?

Does height matter in volleyball?

Lily, the volleyball star from Lincoln-Way West, is turning heads with her height, making life tough for her opponents. Being tall can help in volleyball, but let’s chat about what makes a player stand out. According to Volley Expert, while skills and physical fitness are the real MVPs, having some extra inches certainly doesn’t hurt your game!

Taller players are usually the go-to choice for middle blockers and outside hitters, thanks to their ability to cover more vertical space. Blocking becomes a breeze when you’re reaching over the net like it’s no big deal, and spiking from higher contact points means more power and harder angles for defenders. But here’s where it gets interesting—shorter players bring speed, agility, and defensive prowess to the table. You’ll often see them excelling as liberos or defensive specialists, scooping up digs and turning tricky plays into easy saves.

Still, taller athletes have a clear advantage in attacking. Take Lily, for instance. She’s able to hit at a much higher trajectory, making it difficult for opposing teams to defend against her powerful swings. When she’s at the net, she’s not just sending spikes back over—she’s putting up a wall. Her height gives her superior blocking range, which, combined with solid timing and hand positioning, makes her a nightmare for hitters on the other side.

For women in volleyball, the “ideal” height for middle hitters tends to hover around 6’2″, and Lily’s right in that sweet spot. According to her coach, Kendall Villa, her height isn’t just an asset—it’s a game-changer. “She’s been out there every year, but this season, she has a little bit of spring in her step. She is pushing back on those blocks. She’s coming around and hitting the slide. And she’s coming in for the quicks,” said Villa. With her impressive height and killer skills, it’s no wonder Lily’s making a big splash on the court!