Growing up, Landry Roberts dreamed of playing Cheyenne Mountain volleyball.

Her father, Kris Roberts, is athletic director for the school, and she claims she has followed the volleyball program since she could walk. Roberts was destined to play for the Red-Tailed Hawks.

Now a junior, she has fulfilled that dream and more, becoming a team captain as a sophomore and helping lead Cheyenne Mountain to back-to-back 4A state semifinals.

Roberts has garnered national attention, most recently as the best volleyball player in Colorado by MaxPreps. Players were identified based on last year’s statistical data provided to MaxPreps as well as local, state or national honors from multiple media outlets, according to the article.

The 6-foot-2 outside hitter is ranked in the top of her class by PrepDig, and recorded 361 kills with 276 receives, 159 digs, and 62 aces last season to receive 4A all-state honorable mention.

“I was obviously kind of surprised, I didn’t know if I was worthy of that but my dad reminded me of all the work I put in to get into this position,” Roberts said of the article. “It’s not what I’m striving for, I’m just trying to be a better teammate and player and these are just accomplishments along the way.”

After making the varsity team as a freshman, Roberts made an immediate impact as a player and teammate. Besides her volleyball skills, Roberts’ energy and positivity helped lift the team to a 20-9 record last season.

“Playing wise she is an impact hitter, but more than that she is an incredible teammate, she really brings an energy not many people can,” coach Ellen Cross said. “She is the light of the team. She does a good job at pushing the team but maintaining that positivity. This year she has really found her voice and stepped up as a leader on the team and it’s going to be a great season for her.”

Roberts recently verbally committed to Texas Tech to play volleyball. With the stress of recruitment behind her, she is focused on being the best player and teammate she can be, starting with daily weight room sessions.

Besides physical strength, she is excited to take on a bigger role as team captain for the second year.

One of Roberts’ roles as a leader is helping the team navigate the loss of nine seniors from last year. It’s been a big change, but the team has done well at adapting and hopes to defy expectations this season.

“The biggest thing is proving everyone wrong,” Roberts said. “We have finished third in state since freshman year but I think we have potential to make it all the way this year. We want to prove expectations wrong and play for our team and I want to see our potential and how far we can go.”