Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Sydney Mullen

It's been 10 years since Sarasota High girls volleyball last posted a winning season. The Sailors are on track to end that drought, accumulating a 3-0 record while dropping just one set. Senior libero Sydney Mullen leads the team with 47 digs, as of Monday, and her 10 aces are second-most behind senior outside hitter Liza Collier's 15. Mullen is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

What has gone behind your team's early success?

This season, we have really good chemistry. Our players are all very driven. We all have the same goal — we want to do (well), so we work really hard in practice. That's already contributed to a lot of our success at the beginning of the season.

How are you a better player now than you were at this time last year?

I had a very competitive club team (Elite Volleyball Prep Academy), so I've worked on a lot of new things. I'm also still transitioning into the position of libero. Last year, I was a (defensive specialist). This year, I'm wearing the libero jersey, so it is a different spot on the court. I'm very driven and dedicated — I want to be very good. I know it's my senior season, so I'm putting it all out there and trying to have confidence every game.

What are your goals for this season?

Personally, skill-wise, I definitely want to work on reading the ball better (and having) quick movements on the court. As a team, I just want to make sure we all stay together, have good spirits (and) have good energy the whole year — good chemistry, of course, and just have fun.

When and why did you start playing volleyball?

I started playing volleyball in fourth grade. I was honestly just looking for a sport to do, and as soon as I stepped on the court, I fell in love with it. Ever since, I've been very dedicated to it.

Why have you stuck with this sport over the years?

I honestly just love it. The environment, the competition, making new friends — all of it. Just trying to get better every practice, every game, is very fun for me.

Which quote or piece of advice inspires you?

Having the memory of a goldfish. You just move on to the next point when you make a mistake. Have a good attitude, good energy (and) never get down on yourself. That energy (translates) to the other players and everyone feels the positivity from that.

Who is your favorite collegiate or professional athlete and why?

McKenna Melville from UCF. I went to a few UCF camps and I was really inspired by everything she told us, she taught us, I felt like she brought really good energy to the team. She doesn't play anymore, but when she did play, it was really fun watching her.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Definitely Japan — that's been my dream. My mom (Angie Mullen) was born and raised there, so she lived there for 16 years and then she came here. She's told me so many cool stories about it. I've always wanted to go and experience the culture.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

Definitely sushi. The volcano roll from (JPan Sushi and Grill) is the best. I love sushi so much. 

Finish this sentence. Sydney Mullen is...

Positive. I have a lot of positivity on the court, I always try to be uplifting to my teammates, have a good attitude and I think that really helps.