For Josephine Haas, this season with the Maȟpíya Lúta Tȟabpápsičapi has been a defining one. After earning varsity experience last year, the freshman has stepped into a larger role as a full-time starter and continues to grow into one of the team’s most consistent players at the net.
“This year I stepped into a bigger role as a starter, and that transition for me was sort of easy but rocky in some ways,” said Haas. “I got a little taste of it last year toward the end of the season, but overall, just knowing I had all kinds of support from my friends and my family, and had my friends who have been in the spot before to guide me and lead me along the way, made it a lot easier.”
Having played high school volleyball since seventh grade, Haas brings experience beyond her years. She credits her mindset and self-belief as key factors in her success.
“What I’ve learned from my past seasons that really helps me today is knowing that I’m the creator of my game,” she explained. “Just being kind to myself and trying to stay positive helps not only me and my skills but also helps my teammates by making it easier for them to be on the court with me.”
That leadership and positivity were on full display in Maȟpíya Lúta’s recent win over Little Wound.
“In the match at Little Wound, I think what clicked for us was the amount of teamwork, effort, and energy we all put into that game,” said Haas. “When we all work together and put our 100% together, we become really strong as a team.”
As the Maȟpíya Lúta prepare for the upcoming playoffs, Haas is focused on continuing to give her best effort and helping her team make a deep postseason run.
“With the playoffs coming soon, I’m just trying to do my best and continue putting in all my effort for my team and my teammates,” she said. “To make a deep run, I think we just have to give 100% the whole way through, really play as a team, bring energy and effort, and give our all for each other, but also focus on how bad we want it and always remember to work together.”
As one of the youngest starters on the team, Josephine Haas is already showing the confidence and drive that make her a key part of Maȟpíya Lúta’s playoff hopes this season.