Moddrell more than just a middle blocker for Hoosiers

Finding an aggressive, ambitious team volleyball player is one thing. But when she spikes as hard as she blocks, a coach knows she's found quite an athlete. \nSophomore Annie Moddrell, middle blocker for the IU women's volleyball team, has shown coaches and players her hard work doesn't stop at practice.\n"Everything she achieves is because of hard work," said assistant coach Matt Affolder. "She's the ideal student-athlete (every) team should have." \nFor Moddrell, every challenge is an opportunity to step up and prove her worth. She credits much of her success to head coach Katie Weismiller, saying her motivation comes from precision drills and communication on the court. Moddrell's energy stems not only from her desire to get better, but her refusal to lose.\n"She really rises to the occasion. Instead of getting down on herself, she takes information in and performs better," Weismiller said. \nWeismiller added that Moddrell has been a constant for the relatively young team, citing leadership is important for the squad. Weismiller said talent alone is not responsible for Moddrell's success, it's also her drive.\n"In the front, our blocking and defensive scores go up," Weismiller said. "On the offense, you just can't leave her alone."\nThe highlight of Moddrell's season so far possibly came Sept. 10 at the Winthrop Invitational. Moddrell scored 11 kills and 10 blocks against Furman University, giving her the first double-double of the season. That day, she finished the game with a .500 hitting percentage. With the Big Ten season quickly approaching, Moddrell knows she will have to put her mental and physical talent to good use.\n"Our bench is so deep that there is always room to grow," Moddrell said. "Katie (Weismiller) has so much confidence in me, and (Assistant Coach Dottie Porch) is always supportive." \nModdrell and her teammates are coming off a second place finish at the T.I.S. Bookstore Invitational, including a thrilling 3-2 win over the University of Dayton. Next up, the Hoosiers will welcome Michigan State and Michigan to Bloomington this weekend.