During a seemingly routine practice, Annabell Criswell, Dallastown Girls Volleyball setter, suffered an injury that sidelined her for the rest of the season. 

This sudden event has changed the course of the season for Criswell and her teammates.

Criswell was encouraged to play volleyball by her father who inspired her to drop the tennis racket and pick up a volleyball.

As her career progressed, she began to look up to Micha Hancock, a USA women’s volleyball setter, as an inspiration.

“My parents have always used her as someone to look up to in the volleyball world,” said Criswell.

Criswell has been a volleyball player for six to seven years, playing for the school and Yorktowne Volleyball Club. However, her favorite part of the game is its competitiveness.

“I like seeing the competitiveness of it. I think seeing a team sport like volleyball where everything comes together is just so much fun when it does come together,” stated Criswell.

Her least favorite aspect, however, is the mental aspect of the sport.

“I think the mental bit is a really big part of it,” said Criswell.

Criswell found herself playing defense one practice, “digging” a hard-driven ball from her teammate. It was unpredicted that the ball would pop her right pinky, twisting and fracturing part of the bone.

After receiving split stitches and open reduction surgery, Criswell started physical therapy to strengthen the bone and recover for travel season.

It was devastating news for her, learning that she couldn’t play with her teammates, many of whom would be the last time.

“I was actually heartbroken, I did cry a little,” said Criswell.

The girls are committed players to each other, and many on the girls’ varsity volleyball team have been friends for years. This dynamic has led them to be a strong team with an even stronger bond.

“I really love the girls on the team. I mean, I’ve been playing with Kira and Jocelyn since I was in sixth grade, so seeing people that I hold so dearly, my last time playing with them is cut off, I think that’s the hardest part for me,” shared Criswell.

Her absence was certainly noticed on the court. The team’s dynamic has changed drastically without Criswell there.

Being unable to play alongside her teammates has been tough on Criswell. She’s expressed her desire to be on the court playing with them, although it’s thrilling to cheer for her teammates in a new perspective from the bench. 

One move rendered Criswell sidelined for the rest of the season. Who knows what could’ve happened if it truly was a routine practice?