Position: Setter/Primary Hitter
Year: Senior
Height: 5-6
Hopkins Highlights: 2,828 career assists (needs 548 more to set school record). Led team in assists last season (1,135 total).
In a game where only six players take the court, one athlete can often be the difference between success and failure. When that player also happens to be the only senior and the lone captain, she takes on even more importance. There may not be an athlete that means more to her team's success on and off the court at Hopkins than Betsy Baydala does to the Johns Hopkins volleyball team.
"Betsy's ability to lead by example is truly impressive," said sophomore libero Lizzie Kay.
"She is a very positive and consistent teammate that you can always turn to to pump you up and get you ready to win," said junior middle hitter Jen Hajj.
At Hopkins there are a number of athletes whose respective teams have created plays or packages specifically designed to take advantage of their ability, but not many athletes have the distinction of being the focal point of all facets of their team's game.
"We've put Betsy right now in the position to help us not only as a setter, but also as a primary hitter," said head coach Scott Pennewill. "With that she becomes an integral part of not only our offense, but also the defense of the team."
Thus far Betsy has proven up to the challenge of being the focal point of her team on and off the court, both as a player and captain.
"As a setter she has done a wonderful job of what it means to run an offense," said Pennewill. "She's been able to use her leadership skills to get the team to meet its goals."
Four years ago, when the 5-6 setter arrived at Hopkins, the volleyball team was simply a means to make her college experience more gratifying.
"It was great, and a good way to transition in from high school and get a better sense of the Hopkins' spirit," said Baydala of her early times at Hopkins. "This year I'm captain and the only senior, so a lot more emphasis is put on what I can do for the team and being the best leader I can be."
Baydala's achievements through just her first three years have given her name a spot in the Hopkins' record books. Last season Baydala led the Blue Jays to a second-place finish in the centennial conference, while finishing the season with the team lead in assists (1,135). With 2,828 total assists for her career, Baydala needs just 548 more to take the all-time Hopkins assist mark.
While the record and chance to become part of Hopkins' athletic history must certainly appeal to her, Baydala hopes to leave more behind than just a record after her final season of play.
"I just hope they respect me and all the hard work and effort I put in," said Baydala. "Remember me not only as a good player, but also as a loyal friend and teammate."
To her teammates she is already more than just a good player to whom they can turn during a game; she is a pillar they lean on whether it be good times or bad.
"She is the person we can look to for inspiration during a time of desperation or struggle," said Kay.
Despite all the victories, accomplishments, and memories Baydala and her teammates have experienced, she insists the best is yet to come.
"My most memorable moment at Hopkins will be this year when we beat Gettysburg to win the conference championship," said Baydala.
