With a strong 5-1 record to start the season, the Lynbrook girls’ varsity volleyball team is looking to, yet again, make it to the county championship after being last fall’s runner-up to the champions. Although it is a team effort, a large part of their success can be attributed to senior Ami Carey, an incredible athlete and leader who is playing out her final season for the Lady Owls. 

Carey’s talent has been displayed multiple times on the court, which is easy to recognize by looking at her stat-lines in recent games. Coach Sue Amberge understands her importance to the team and commented on her abilities: “Ami is a great setter.  She is often complimented by officials at our games as being one of the best in the county.  The hitters often get the glory, but Ami’s consistency in her sets makes their job easier.”  

In Lynbrook’s victory against Manhasset, Carey contributed with 26 assists and 11 digs. Those large totals can be partly attributed to Carey’s role as a setter, but ,nevertheless, those are impressive numbers that underscore her importance to the team. Senior Kate Foley described Carey’s impact to the team both on and off the court: “On the court, Ami is a true asset to the team. She hustles to every ball and helps each player reach her highest potential. Off the court, she motivates every player and keeps the team’s energy high.”

As much as Carey has benefited her team, she also has learned a lot during her time as a volleyball player. She explained how the team influenced her, stating, “It has helped me become a better teammate and better at working together with people in general. Since volleyball is a team sport, there is never one star on the team. We all need each other to be successful; you need to work together. The team has also taught me to trust that everything will happen the way it should. As players, we have to trust that the passers are there to get a good dig, and I trust that the hitters will put the ball away. Without it, we wouldn’t play as fluidly as we do.”

 Her time spent on the team has led to the making of many memories. As with most other sports teams, togetherness does not end when the game ends. Carey certainly supports this: “Some of my best memories are of the pasta parties we have and the things we do together as a team like tie-dying, going to Buffalo Wild Wings, diners, Moe’s, and sleepovers. It’s so much fun to be with each other outside of just playing volleyball.” As hard as Carey works, she also has fun with the same group of people that she competes alongside.