In this episode of the Under the Hat Podcast, we sit down with Sydney Whisenton — a 2028 setter-opposite from Cornerstone Christian and Alamo 16 National — and a standout nominee in our Player of the Year Spotlight Series.

Sydney takes us behind the scenes of her journey: from early club days to national-level competition, and through a medical diagnosis that nearly sidelined her for good. She shares what it was like to undergo two surgeries, miss critical playing time, and rebuild both her confidence and her strength.

What stands out most isn't just her resilience — it's her clarity. Her voice. The way she sees the game, and herself, through a different lens now.

We talk dual positions, coaching styles, superstitions, NIL dreams (yes, there's a car involved), and what it means to be “back” after the kind of season that changes everything.

If you're raising, coaching, or mentoring a high-level athlete — this one is a must-listen.