West Aurora’s Ellie Dobbertin always had the physical tools to be an impact player.
In her second varsity season, however, the 5-foot-10 senior right-side hitter is now smarter and more judicious about merging form and style in producing the requisite front-row power.
“I think I’ve worked a lot on just having a stronger block and a stronger hit,” Dobbertin said. “It’s not just about putting it over the net but about being smart where you put it.
“That change has really helped me improve.”
That improvement was apparent Tuesday night as Dobbertin delivered three kills and a block kill for the host Blackhawks in a 25-7, 25-8 Upstate Eight West win over Streamwood in Aurora.
Junior outside hitter Natalie Mitchell led West Aurora (12-6, 1-0) with six kills, while senior middle block Addison Taylor added three kills.
Sophomore outside hitter Aliyah Ramirez paced the Sabres (3-10, 0-2) with two kills.
The beat goes on, meanwhile, for Dobbertin. A year ago, she was sometimes uncertain and hesitant. As a senior, she’s become fearless and resolute, putting all the pieces together.
“She has improved so much from last year,” Taylor said, nodding in the affirmative. “She’s not just putting the ball over but she has learned how to change up her shots.
“Watching her growth, improvement and the energy she plays with has just been a joy.”
In the past, Dobbertin was thrilled to be merely making a contribution on the court. That uncertainty, though, is a thing of the past. The difference in her play and manner says it all.
“I played with her last year and she’s just a completely different player now,” Mitchell said of Dobbertin. “She has gotten a lot more confident in herself. I just love playing with her.
“She’s always so happy out there. She’s a great player skill-wise. Her mentality is great.”
On top of that, Dobbertin has the length and kinetic athleticism that made volleyball a natural fit. It remains the only sport she’s ever seriously played. Turning a page to senior year has been big.
She’s more comfortable in her own body. And she’s a lot more demonstrative.
“I feel like I’ve been tall my whole life,” Dobbertin said. “It’s about knowing how to use that height. It’s about being confident, knowing you can be a tall and strong player on the court.
“You also have to go out and make an effort to use it.”
Dobbertin is the oldest of four children, and her parents were both college athletes. She took up volleyball in the sixth grade.
“I’ve always loved the energy of the game,” she said. “I feel like in the last couple of years, it has really become a team sport for me. You can’t go out there and perform by yourself.
“It’s a team effort, and the bond you get is something very special.”
West Aurora coach Alyssa Farney also offered up praise for Dobbertin, calling her a critical component of the team’s equation.
“She’s developed into a star on our team, which is really nice to see,” Farney said. “It’s great to have another reliable hitter. Sometimes, you’re not sure if the right side can get the ball down.
“With Ellie, there’s a different level of confidence in her.”
There are few things more gratifying than unlocking your full potential. Dobbertin gets that.
“I’m not nervous to make a mistake because I know I have everyone around me to lift me up,” she said. ”It’s nice knowing I can be close with everybody. I’m not nervous to talk with new people.”
Her personality has grown, resulting in a talkative, outgoing, assertive competitor.
“I know no matter now I can go out there and be myself,” Dobbertin said. “I’m confident in just being myself, and that’s very important when I’m out on the court.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
