Many refer to a sports team as family, and for Newton volleyball senior  Delaney Woollums that’s exactly the case. 

One of the leaders for this year’s Cardinals squad, Woollums is playing alongside her mother Heidi and father Wayne, who are the team’s coaches. . So far this season, Delaney ranks second in Class 4A in kill efficiency and leads the Cardinals in kills, accounting for 78 of the team’s 203. She has also played in all 21 sets of Newton’s nine matches so far this year. Delaney says that while some might find it difficult to play for a parent, she enjoys get to share the court with her mom. 

“I don’t mind it. I prefer it that way. That’s what I have known for my entire life. But it is an interesting dynamic to go home and volleyball is all you hear about. She’s definitely harder on me but I feel like that makes me a better player so I can step into the role I have to. I feel like I would not be where I am today without her.”

 The Woollums and Newton are back in action on Tuesday at home against Pella Christian at 7:15 p.m.