Single senior leads team

What is so amazing about senior Hillary Toivonen is not that she is the lone senior on a 12-6 squad, or that she has played in over 60 straight matches in three years. Rather, it is that she is doing all of this when doctors told her it couldn't be done. \nA native of Muncie, Toivonen has defied the odds in her athletic career. In seventh grade, doctors diagnosed Toivonen with scoliosis. Her spinal curvature is off by 36 degrees from the normal curve. A condition to the extent of Toivonen's, especially in the back, creates serious problems for a person as athletic as herself. But it hasn't prevented Toivonen from reaching her goals. \n"I do not want it to limit my skills at all," she said. "That's why I continue to work at keeping my legs strong."\nToivonen is leading the team with just over three digs a game at a position called the libero. \nInstalled in the NCAA just this year, it is a position that utilizes a player's passing and defensive skills. Wearing a different uniform then her fellow teammates, Toivonen is not allowed by rule to attack on offense. Instead, she focuses strictly on receiving and setting up her teammates. \n"I can initiate each play, " she said. "I am able to communicate to the team and start the offense."\nThe libero position is tailor-made for a player and leader like Toivonen. As the only senior, Toivonen has also filled the role of helping along the inexperienced players and helping the Hoosiers to a 12-6 record. But, Toivonen says this leadership role is easier thanks to the help of some of her junior teammates.\n"I try hard to help out the freshmen," she said. "But we have a group of leaders on this team. We are all very close."\nToivonen is also the reigning iron woman of her sport. In three plus seasons, Toivonen has played in over 60 matches in a row. Her experience going into this season has proved to be vital to the Hoosiers' success.\nThe Hoosiers are off to a 12-6 record as Toivonen is playing her best volleyball as a senior.\n"She is doing everything we have asked her to do," coach Katie Weismiller said. "It is great to see someone have their best year as a senior."\nToivonen's leadership hasn't been limited to her senior role on the court. Her leadership off the court for fellow teammates is what they say helps them the most. \n"She is always there for someone to talk to," freshman Ashley White said. "She's like a big sister for me. She helps with everything on the court as well"