Strong libero for the Mingus Union High School Marauders in her senior season
On Friday, November 13 Mingus Union High School graduate Sadie Backus signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at Yavapai Community College next year. It is reported that Backus was a strong libero for the Marauders in her senior season. (A person playing the libero position on a volleyball team is usually on the back row and usually the best passer on the team.)
In her last year, it was reported that she received a total of 657 serves and recorded 27 digs, which led the Mingus team. (A dig is a defensive bump that keeps the ball from hitting the floor when it’s sent to your side of the court with an offensive attack, usually a spike.)
Backus’ 27 digs constituted exactly half of her team’s total during the past season. She also recorded 155 total serves and notched 21 aces, both of which were second on the team. (An ace is when a player serves the ball and the opposing team is unable to pass it and play the ball. An ace is commonly a serve that lands untouched on the opponent’s side of the court.)
At the letter signing ceremony, Sadie’s parents Jo and Chad Backus were present and showed great pride in their daughter’s accomplishment. Jo said that “This is what she’s wanted for a long time. She’s worked hard for it and she did it. It’s awesome.”
Her father said that “Sadie’s worked a lot of years and spent a lot of time practicing, playing and working hard. She’s very disciplined in everything that she does. She deserves to be recognized. It’s awesome. We’re proud of her.”
Backus’ family, friends and teammates on the Marauders volleyball team were on hand to see her officially commit to play for the Yavapai Community College Roughriders.