LIBERTY, Mo. — Not every athlete gets to break a school record, but Liberty High School volleyball star Bailee Middleton is set to do so.
Middleton has reached a career high of 1,000 digs and is looking to beat the school record of 1,018 this season.
Middleton was a multi-sport athlete, but gave up basketball to focus on volleyball and it paid off. In her senior season, Middleton will graduate and head to the University of Mississippi on a volleyball scholarship.
“I just want to go out there and like, crush the other team. That’s where I find joy," said Middleton.
Jnai Moultrie, one of Middleton's teammates, has enjoyed watching her friend evolve as an athlete.
“Whenever we first started playing, it was kind of like, 'Let’s go play for fun and see where it takes us,' and now she’s going off to Ole Miss, and like seeing her grow from when we were 9 to now is just absolute insane and to know that I get to play next to her is just one of the best feelings ever."
And it's Middleton's drive and spirit that will take her to the Southeastern Conference next year.
While Middleton is looking forward to playing Division 1 volleyball, she's even more excited about the facilities and what's inside.
"This is kind of strange, but when I went down there to visit, I love snacks and they have lots of snack bars around the facility, the volleyball facility," she said. "So I will definitely stay up on my nutrients."