How Memphis Inglett became Ballard's go-to player on the volleyball court

A couple of weeks ago Ballard head volleyball coach Erica Fee sat down and had a heart-to-heart with junior outside hitter Memphis Inglett.

Inglett was the top returning offensive weapon for Ballard after recording 100 kills at outside hitter as a sophomore. Fee is in her first year running the program and the Bombers feature several talented freshmen and sophomores getting their feet wet at the varsity level.

But as good as those young players are, they still need guidance and positive feedback. Fee also needs someone she can trust to provide a spark when things aren't going well or the Bombers are in need of a point.

“We had one-on-ones a couple weeks ago where Memphis talked about where her passions lie and what her motivation is,” Fee said. “We talked about her being the go-to player. That’s what I told her to be and so far she’s stepped up and been that player for us. She knows ‘Hey, if we’re down and we’re struggling the team can go to me and I can finish this point.’”

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Inglett has responded well to the challenge.

During last week's dramatic, five-set win at Carlisle for the Bombers' first Raccoon River Conference victory, Inglett had 20 kills on amazing 53.1% attack efficiency. Last Saturday at the Ballard Invitational in Huxley, Inglett recorded 30 kills on just 50 attacks over eight sets.

She helped Ballard split four matches against Woodward-Granger, Grand View Christian, Pella and Des Moines Christian.

“It’s great having her because you know someone is there to put it away,” Ballard setter Riley Askelsen said. “She’s been working on shots – deep corner and tipping it. We’re working on shots and she’s been really good.”

One of Askelsen's favorite things to do on the court is loft a ball to Inglett on the outside and watch her bring the hammer down with her swing.

“She just pounds the ball and no one gets up,” Askelsen said. “Love that.”

Inglett had several clutch plays in Ballard's match with Carroll Tuesday in Huxley. The Bombers came up short, but it was a five-set war.

During the second set Inglett recorded a block and a kill back-to-back to help Ballard rally from an early 18-12 deficit to take the lead before coming up short by a 25-22 score. She also came up with two clutch kills and a block during the rally game.

For the season Inglett has amassed 111 kills on 27.4% efficiency, leading the team in both categories. She's averaging 2.3 kills per set, nearly doubling her 2021 average of 1.2.

“It’s just practice,” Inglett said. “We’re there two hours every day. We’re just really grinding and making sure we push each other every single day to make sure of that.”

Inglett credits her teammates for her growth as a player.

“Our passing has been really good," Inglett said. "Our setter-hitter connections have improved a lot and that’s helping everyone.”

Inglett has formed a formidable front line with middle hitters Brooklyn and Brenna Baumgardner, outside hitter Kate Miller and right-side hitter Alliyah Thompson. Brooklyn has 94 kills and 71 blocks, Brenna 58 kills and 55 blocks, Miller 45 kills and Thompson 57.

“It’s been really easy,” Inglett said. “I’ve played with Baum (Brooklyn Baumgardner) for a year and Brenna’s a great hitter. It’s really easy for us to bond together.”

Brooklyn Baumgardner loves playing next to Inglett.

“Everyone has confidence in her,” Baumgardner said. “We know when the ball is set to her it’s going down.”

It's not just her talent that has Inglett looked to as the team's go-to player. She's also done a great job helping Ballard's younger players come along, especially freshman outside hitter Hailey Flanders.

“Hailey says she loves going in for Memphis because Memphis always gives her positive feedback,” Fee said. “She always says go get them. Memphis is always a positive person to be around. She’s always cheering people on and encouraging them.”

Inglett's leadership and encouragement is helping Ballard build quality depth as the Bombers (9-7) get ready for the stretch run of the season.

“I think it’s great that we have such a deep bench,” Inglett said. “If someone is struggling or off we can trust those people to do well if we need them.”

As the younger players gain more experience and Inglett gains confidence in her role as the team's top offensive weapon Ballard could become a force by the time regionals come around.

“We’re just getting started,” Inglett said. “I think we can have a winning season.”

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: How Memphis Inglett became Ballard's go-to player on volleyball court