Tillett 'assists' Volleyball in more ways than one

With the season only half over, one Quakers volleyball senior is on her way to having the best single-season statistical performance of her four-year career. Heather Tillett, a Miami, Fla., native, has been playing volleyball for nine years. She has been with the Quakers since her freshman year, and her role on the team has evolved dramatically. Tillett, who sat the bench for much of her first two seasons, is now co-captain and motivational leader for the Quakers. "I try to be a leader by setting an example in the effort I give when I play," Tillett said. And this is more than just a statement. Tillett is involved on every play that the Quakers make. Being the team's setter, she has to run the offense, call the plays and keep the other players in high spirits. "If I get down on myself," Tillett said, "it will affect the way the rest of the team plays." Now, Tillett has no reason to be down. She has just recently had her 1,002nd career assist, and is only 41 assists away from passing her total from last season. This is quite an impressive feat, mostly because she has done it in such a short time. Tillett should break her single-season record sometime during the next two matches. "It's something to look forward to," said Tillett. "I just found out this week, and it's kind of crazy. It's only the first half of the season." Although her records are a big deal, Tillett is not letting it get to her head. She knows that the team, and winning, comes first. As a setter, someone who is always thinking of the other players, this shouldn't be a problem. Because of her unselfish play, the other members of the Penn team look up to Tillett. They easily accept her role as the leader because she is very supportive of all the other players' roles on the team. Since the team is small in numbers, the players are all pretty close. In fact, her best friend at the Penn is a teammate, senior outside hitter Jessica Luftman. Although their friendship is not simply a result of sports, Tillett feels one reason it has developed is their setter/hitter relationship. Tillett always shows her true colors as an authentic team player. However, even the most unselfish athletes have a right to bask in the glory of their accomplishments. "I feel like I've accomplished something," Tillett said. "I sat on the bench for two years, waiting for my time to play. Now, I feel like I've made a difference and a place for myself in Penn athletics." Tillett loves playing volleyball and hopes to play recreationally after she graduates. But her long-term goal is to go to law school. Right now, Tillett plans to help the Quakers in their remaining games. She hopes they can come together to win the Ivy Championships. Although Tillett has had a prolific career with the Quakers, and has recently broken several records, this is not what she believes has been the defining moment of her Penn volleyball career. While she has yet to attain a truly memorable moment, Tillett feels that winning the Ivies will accomplish this.