Portland's Wakefield proved to be a steady influence

Lexi Wakefield really grew as a volleyball player this season, and her growth helped Portland return to a place the program has consistently reached in the past decade.

The Lady Panther sophomore helped Portland reach the Class AAA sectional round and a 24-11 record this season. Portland won 18 of its final 22 matches, including District 9-AAA and Region 5-AAA tournament titles.

Wakefield collected 640 digs this season – averaging five per set – and was a six-rotation passer on serve-receive, meaning she was one of the most versatile players on Portland’s roster.

Wakefield’s efforts have earned her Co-Player of the Year honors on the All-Sumner County Volleyball Team.

Wakefield recently discussed her season and other various topics. Her feedback is as follows:

What was this season like for you?

It was a lot different than any other season. We didn’t have any conflicts or drama or stupid stuff that girls go through. We were all friends.

What was one thing that helped you be successful this season?

Definitley the friendship on the court. It helped knowing that if I messed up, my friends were going to back me up. They weren’t just teammates, they were lifelong friends. Ginger (Lesemann) and Rob (Lesemann) and Jessie (Prescott), they all really teach you about what team means. It’s not really about yourself.

Best memory from this season?

Mine would probably be when we won districts, because last year we lost districts and lost regionals. This year, we proved that even when we’re down, we can still pull through it.

Who has been your biggest influence in volleyball?

Two people – Abby (Akins) and I were and still are very close friends. Coming into high school, I was very excited to play with her, so she definitely influenced me. Taylor Whitson – just the way she talked about volleyball and how high school was so much fun and how hard she played, that really influenced me.

Did you play any other sports when you were younger?

I played soccer up until fifth grade. I played in Rob’s volleyball league in elementary school and I just realized how much fun volleyball was, and I just kind of got tired of soccer. But I also joined softball and basketball as well.

Did you accomplish what you wanted to accomplish this season?

The first thing that comes into your mind when you join high school is that you have to set records and make an impact on the school. Portland’s always an amazing system. Just becoming (Most Valuable Player) with Marlayna (Bullington) – who is also one of my best friends – and getting recognized really proves that hard work does pay off.

Who did you look up to when you were younger?

Bailey Thornton, because even since middle school, she’s just been a really nice friend to have. She helped make the experience really excite me in high school.

What is your favorite TV show?

I love “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.”

What are your college plans, and what do you want to study in college?

At first, I thought it was going to be for soccer, but then I started volleyball and ever since then, it’s been a plan that I’m going to play volleyball in college. I want to be a neonatal nurse.

If you could write a letter to your eight-year-old self, what would you say?

Do what your mom tells you and follow your dreams. Don’t give up, because hard work does pay off in the end.