Record Newspapers Athlete of the Week: Ella Bourque, Yorkville, volleyball, senior

Name: Ella Bourque

School: Yorkville, senior

Sport: Volleyball

Why she was selected: Bourque had six kills, 10 assists and six digs in the Foxes’ 26-24, 25-23 win over Plainfield North. Bourque had 39 kills, 68 assists and 27 digs for the tournament, as Yorkville finished second in its bracket at the Plainfield Fall Harvest Tournament. She was voted by readers as the Record Newspapers Athlete of the Week. Here is her interview with Sports Editor Joshua Welge.

Welge: Was the Plainfield North win the biggest win you’ve had at Yorkville?

Bourque: Definitely the biggest win. We knew that they were the best team in our conference. After we won that, we’re on top with them. As long as we win our last two matches, which we have a good chance of doing, we’ll win conference. Especially since we just joined the conference, It’s huge for us to be on top. Not a lot of people thought we could do that.

Welge: When did you think this could be a special season?

Bourque: Last year, the team was pretty similar, but we didn’t have the same chemistry that we have this year. We had a really strong start to the season, but from the beginning of the season, before we even started games, in practice you could see how we bonded. We’re all friends on and off the court. From the beginning, we thought we’d be really good and could go far.

Welge: Besides her jersey number, what are things your sister passed down to you?

Bourque: She’s really helped me develop. The biggest thing is my work ethic. First of all, she is what made me a setter because she was a setter, too. Her being two years older, I would always work out with her. She helped me develop who I am today. I owe a lot to her. I would come and cheer her and I fell in love with volleyball. She is a hard worker and it rubbed off on me.

Welge: What is the hardest part about being a setter that someone in the stands might not realize?

Bourque: Definitely the decision-making. You are looking at the other side of the net, your own hitters, the blockers; it looks a lot easier than it is. It might come naturally after a while, but it takes time to develop those skills.

Welge: Did you do other sports or activities growing up?

Bourque: I was a dancer for a few years. I started volleyball in fifth grade; up until then I danced. When my sister started playing volleyball, that’s when I started playing.

Welge: Who’s your favorite athlete?

Bourque: [Wisconsin setter] Sydney Hilley.

Welge: Favorite TV show?

Bourque: “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Welge: Favorite subject in school?

Bourque: Probably science, biology.