If there’s a player from the EIAC who deserves to be recognized, perhaps you are familiar with the excellent volleyball skills of Lawrenceburg senior Natalie Knigga. After helping her team have one of its best seasons as a program, the 5-9 senior is reminded of what it will take to have a special season this fall while maintaining her duties at outside hitter. With much respect for the game, Natalie Knigga had a memorable moment take place on September 7th after she recorded her 1,000th career assist against South Ripley. She has the heart of a champion each time she hits the court and always plays to the best of her abilities. Knigga has had a really great summer with her high school teammates as she looks to lead this year’s Lawrenceburg team to the promise land. As a result of how things played out last season, the Lady Tigers finished 2023 with an outstanding 27-6 (7-0) undefeated conference record after helping Lawrenceburg capture their eighth sectional title as a program before falling to Barr-Reeve in the regional semifinals. Knigga lead the way with a career total 362 kills, while completing 60 aces, 23 blocks, 359 digs and 510 assists to her stat total. She is only 291 kills away from setting another milestone achievement for she feels very confident of breaking it this high school volleyball season.
“Last year was an unbelievable season for my teammates and myself. Going undefeated in the EIAC is no easy feat. Anytime you can capture the EIAC and a sectional title, that is a special year. This year our goals remain the same. As a program, we know we have a target on our backs. Our team has had an outstanding summer and we are looking forward to the season. As one of the leaders on this team, I strive each day to make my teammates better as well as myself so we can reach our goals. I try to be a vocal leader, but most of all I want my teammates to see how I approach each day in practice and games. I believe with my attitude and determination, I can be a good leader for our team and help us to another successful season.” Knigga told Justin Hartsough of One Nation Sports Indiana.
What really self-motivates Natalie heading into her final year of varsity with the Lady Tigers is the amount of depth that her high school team provides! Lawrenceburg returns multiple key starters from last year’s team including the likes of senior outside hitter Trinity Taylor and middle hitter Azley Vertz.
“It is easy to be self-motivated after last season. Again our goals remain the same. We know nothing will be given to us. The fact that we have a good group of girls coming back and another chance to win a few championships, motivates me and my teammates. Besides that, I love volleyball, I have invested a ton of time and energy into this sport and I love each day I get to compete.” Knigga replied.
As if the right opportunity came up, Natalie and the rest of her Lady Tiger teammates have since been devoted to their strength and conditioning coach in Jake Buttram who has done a fantastic job in helping them get ready for the upcoming season. Knigga is extra thankful to have a coach like him who cares and is willing to help upgrade her game as an individual.
“We are very lucky to have a full-time strength and conditioning coach who works with us each day. Coach has really worked hard on improving our verticals and our lateral movements. The volleyball team has really bought into the program and we are seeing the benefits of this in game play. Not only have we gotten stronger in the weight room, we have become stronger as a team in our relationships. We really are a team. We do activities together, we hang out, and we spend as much time together as possible. I think we really have a good team bond.” Knigga said.
With the recruiting process moving slow and steady, Natalie is keeping every option wide open of where she intends to play volleyball. Knigga has a great idea in mind what it will take to announce the final destination of her choice.
“Recruiting has been up and down. It is so much different than other sports. I currently have a few schools I have been in contact with. I have also taken a few visits. I have a few schools on my list. I am just trying to figure out which one will be the best fit for me. I look forward to exploring and building relationships with each one of the schools I am in contact with. Right now, I just want to focus on the high school season and see what happens after that.” Knigga stated.
While goals and dreams are nice to have, the star outside hitter has a different approach of what she wants to accomplish this season as a high school senior for the Lawrenceburg Lady Tigers volleyball program.
“To be honest, I just want my team to win. I would love to accomplish a few individual goals, but at the end of the day, I just want the Tigers to win another EAIC and sectional title. If we do that, my individual goals will become a reality.” Knigga said.
Tonight, your Lawrenceburg Lady Tigers begin a brand new season together as they welcome the Oldenburg Academy Twisters. First tip from (The Tiger Den) is slated for a 5:30pm start time. Lets pack the stands and Go Tigers! 🐯🏐