Noble’s Maicee Berry
By Mike Moguin
There is always an element, and more that athletes enjoy when playing a sport.
Maicee Berry, a senior outside hitter and defensive specialist for Noble volleyball, has hers.
“What motivates me is the thrill of the game and shutting everything out to play,” she said. “And the team connections and relationships you get to build by being able to play this sport.”
Berry said the sport has helped her with leadership.
“It has taught me tremendously how to be a leader by cheering on my teammates and being there when they need me,” Berry said. “It has also taught me a great amount of discipline, not only in a game, but also in always doing the right thing, and lastly, the mindset for the game and having the ability to give constant effort and learning from mistakes.”
Berry’s mom is someone who inspires her the most.
“My mom is always pushing me to become a better athlete and person,” she said. She has shown me so many things, from loving unconditionally and pushing through life no matter how hard it gets. I look up to her in everything I do.”
Teammate Macy Barefoot is someone who has impressed her.
“She showed not only how to be a compassionate and loving teammate but also to have discipline and faith in ourselves and teammates,” Berry said. “Macy is a great example of what a teammate should be.”
Berry also points out the importance of every member of the team.
“This season, Noble volleyball has worked so hard on not only skill, but also the mindset for the game,” she said. “I would say every player on the team is a valuable asset! We all have a vital role on the team. While others might not see us all as equal, we treat each other as equal and know we can’t accomplish the things we’ve set out to do without all of us.”
Berry said she loves reparenting her school alongside her teammates.
“My favorite part about representing my high school as an athlete is the pride that comes with playing for something bigger than myself,” Berry said. “Wearing my school’s name reminds me that I’m not only competing for personal success, but also for my teammates, coaches, and community.”
The best advice Berry said she has ever received is to get comfortable being uncomfortable. “This has played a huge role in my volleyball journey, because nothing on the court ever stays comfortable,” the Noble senior athlete said. “To grow and improve, you have to embrace the discomfort and push yourself beyond your limits. I would like to say thank you to my family for always pushing me to be the best version of myself, and I would also like to say a special thank you to my coach, Hannah Hixon, and John Stokes for always believing in me on and off the court.”
You can follow Berry on Instagram @maiceerae
