Cary Anne Bame builds legacy with Steinbrenner volleyball
By Kyle LoJacono
When the Steinbrenner volleyball team played its first match two years ago, Cary Anne Bame was the libero. Fast-forward to 2011 and the senior is still the Warrior with the off-colored jersey patrolling the backline.
Bame’s play has made penciling her into the lineup easy for coaches, but she brings more to the table than just digs.
“I’ve coached Cary Anne for two different sports now, and it’s a coach’s dream having a player like her,” said Steinbrenner volleyball coach Jennifer Graham, who also coached Bame in flag football. “I can give her any task on or off the court, and I know it’s going to get done.”
Graham assigned Bame to handle many of the details at the Warriors golf event before the season.
“She gave everyone jobs and walked around and made sure they all were accomplished,” Graham said. “She’s going to be a great CEO or manager of something because she has the skills for that, and it’s the same on the court. She loves the game and loves to play. She knows how to win and she brings that spirit to the team. She’s just a great teammate to have. I don’t think she has a negative bone in her body, and all the girls look to her leadership.”
Sophomore setter Casey McLean is one of those players who look up to Bame.
“She always says the right thing at the right time in practices and matches,” McLean said. “She’s our leader, but she doesn’t do it in a bossy way. It’s just natural for her.”
That natural command is one of the things that drew Bame to the libero position.
“I love that pressure of having the ball coming right at me and it’s all up to me to dig it out,” Bame said. “When it happens, it’s like nothing else. I love everything about it.”
Bame’s high school career started at Sickles in 2008. She saw major playing time despite being a freshman, posting 170 digs.
Bame has taken her game to the next level at Steinbrenner, where she has put up a program-record 430 digs while adding 98 aces. Her production and leadership helped the Warriors win two district championships and reach the regional semifinals in 2010, but she wants more out of her senior campaign.
“This is my last shot,” Bame said. “I’ve been a captain the last three years, but it’s completely different as a senior. I’m really trying to influence the younger players to make sure we build up the program for the future too. I really feel like it’s my job to really push the team because I know we’re good enough to make states. It’s just making sure we’re putting in everything we can to get there.”
—All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches.
