Lake Stevens outside hitter Gabby Gunterman is The Daily Herald’s all-area player of the year. (Ian Terry / The Herald)

Lake Stevens outside hitter Gabby Gunterman is The Daily Herald’s all-area player of the year. (Ian Terry / The Herald)

2016 Volleyball Player of the Year: Gabby Gunterman

When Gabby Gunterman was a freshman going through on-the-job training on the varsity level for the Lake Stevens volleyball team, she could hit the ball hard, but her all-around game needed refinement.

She worked hard over the next three years to become a threat even when she wasn’t spiking the ball a million miles per hour. And as a result, she’s become a more complete player.

But of course, the huge, gym-rattling hits she doles out on a regular basis remain a huge part of her on-court personality. She loves to be on the attack.

“The feeling I get when I hit a ball is like nothing else,” Gunterman said. “It’s such a rush, such a cool feeling. I’ll never forget it.”

This season Gunterman proved herself as the best offensive player in the Wesco 4A. The All-Wesco 4A first-team selection is the Herald’s 2016 Volleyball Player of the Year.

“She elevated herself to the top because she spends a ton of time on weight training and conditioning,” Vikings coach Dawn Hanson said. “She’s stronger and more explosive, and her vertical leap has increased dramatically. As she’s gotten older, she’s gotten really smart. She can crush the ball, which is awesome, but she got good at a chip shot, a roll shot, a deep tip. She added a bunch of other options to her arsenal and developed a smart all-around game.”

All of that being said, “she’s got a ridiculously fast arm swing,” Hanson said. “If she gets behind the ball and not under it, she’ll pound the crap out if it.”

Gunterman augments her natural talents and fierce work ethic with an innate inquisitiveness. She’s not afraid to admit when she doesn’t know something. She’ll ask specific questions and demand specific answers. “And when you give her even a minor correction, she does it,” Hanson said.

“Between playing a lot and training and conditioning, I’m focused on what I want to get better at,” Gunterman said. “I have clear goals because I’ve always been a determined person in general, and this is something that I’m passionate about. I want to get better.”

The 5-foot-10 Gunterman tallied 390 kills, a .351 hitting percentage, 102 digs and 25 aces this season, leading the Vikings to a conference championship and an eighth-place finish at the 4A state tournament.

“The main thing was working on my mental game, (being able) to shake stuff off and move on to the next point,” she said. “When you dwell on something, it’s harder to play for your teammates. The biggest challenge is staying in the game mentally all the time. Even if I’m not playing my best, I want to give it my best.

“I’m 100 percent satisfied with the way our season went. Our goal was to get to state, and (getting there) was an amazing experience for all of us. To place (at state) exceeded our expectations.”

Last month Gunterman signed a letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Western Washington University.

“I’m so excited (to go there), I can’t even explain it in words,” said Gunterman, who is pondering a career as a teacher, writer or journalist. “I think it’s a perfect fit for me and my personality. I’m excited to have new eyes look at me and help me improve as a player.

“The big thing is that they’re letting me be an outside hitter. I’m on the shorter side in the volleyball world, and I had chances to go to Division-I schools and be a libero. I love volleyball all-around, but there’s something special about hitting, and it’s a part of me, and I just couldn’t let it go and be happy.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, March 18

Prep roundup for Monday, March 18: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.