Another Smith works wonders at Warren

It’s officially 12 years that a Smith has graced the Warren volleyball program.

Leading the way was Brittany, who played for the girls team eight years ago. Four years later, her younger sister, Kelsey Smith, followed suit. And completing the run of Smiths is Warren senior Tyler Smith.

Did Warren setter Tyler Smith have any choice but to play volleyball for the same program that had hosted his sisters?

“I wasn’t going to play volleyball when I was a kid,” Smith said. “Blah, blah, blah.”

Despite spending a part of his youth at his older sister’s games, he first gave a look to football and basketball.

But being a good younger brother, he’s come home.

Now a full 6 feet 3, he’s the Blue Devils’ starting setter. And he’s looking forward to leading coach Yun Chen’s team this spring.

“Tyler came in this year with a lot more confidence,” Chen said. “He is more experienced and has a lot more to offer his teammates as a leader. We expect a lot from our setters, and I think Tyler is more prepared to handle the pressure this year.”

Smith can set this Warren team knowing full well he’s already made his college choice. Next season, he plans to set the St. Ambrose team in Davenport, Iowa. Former Warren setter David Schweitzer, now at St. Ambrose, asked him to join up.

“I came out there and checked it out,” Smith said. “I had a really good time and fell in love with the school.”

A year ago, Smith ran the offense of this team that won 23 matches and lost only once in conference play.

“Last year, we had a great team,” Smith said. “But I think we have a better all-around team this year. There is a lot of team chemistry.”

Smith will have plenty of options to set the ball to, but it’s hard to overlook outside hitter Sean O’Connor, who stands 6-9.

Smith can appreciate the work of his hitters since he used to be one. A shoulder injury hurt him during his sophomore season and he was asked to make the transition to setter.

“We turned him from a middle to a setter his sophomore year,” Chen said. “He wasn’t thrilled with it at the time, but it seems to have worked out for everyone.”

Smith learned his new trade on the job. Chen believes Smith will have a strong senior season.

“Last year, he was a junior trying to lead a court full of seniors as a fairly young setter,” Chen said. “This year he has started really thinking like a setter, always thinking tactically and analyzing his decisions to better himself and the team. We’re looking forward to sitting back a little this year and watching him run the show on the court. We think he’s up for the challenge.”

Once Smith found his sisters’ favorite sport, there was no turning back.

Through the Sky High club, he traveled as an eighth-grader to Salt Lake City, Utah for nationals.

“Volleyball is my sport now,” Smith said. “It’s the best sport I play.”