Whether it’s on the volleyball court or on the bench, Bailey Fischer loves pumping up her Montgomery County teammates.

“It’s a good way to encourage the girls,” the MCHS senior middle hitter said.

It’s been that way since Fischer joined the program in her freshman year, when she won a varsity spot.

“It was during a timeout, and she was yelling and being goofy,” MCHS coach Rachel Leu said. “The assistant coach made a bet that she (Fischer) needed to yell loud enough to lose her voice. That’s the way it has been ever since. That’s what we needed and it helped. We have been sticking with it since that moment.”

Now in her final season with the Wildcats, Fischer hopes to energize her team to another successful year. She helped her team win three Eastern Missouri Conference titles during her high school volleyball career.

A year ago, Fischer earned first-team all-Eastern Missouri Conference and second-team all-district honors with her strong play in the middle. She was second on the team in kills (152) and blocks (25).

“Front row is like a thrill to me,” Fischer said. “Whether the ball goes over or not, it could always go right back over. You always have to stay on your toes and be ready. It’s a way to keep me going.”

Fischer picked up her first all-EMO award. She joined Sarah Cluver and Makayla Beaver as the Wildcats’ representatives on the all-league volleyball team.

“Honestly, I was in disbelief,” Fischer said. “I didn’t think I would get it.”

Leu said Fischer’s biggest strength is bringing a lot of energy in matches and practices.

“She is never afraid to stay aggressive,” the MCHS coach said. “She’s always picking up her teammates. A lot of times, especially in sports in general, it’s not the play you make, it’s how you support your teammates. She is always supportive and they know it. She always vocalizes it and she’s always ready for the next play, good or bad. She doesn’t let up. She always has great intensity. That’s what you always look for in athletes.”

Fischer’s senior season began on Aug. 30 with her team losing to Hermann in three games at Ballew & Snell Court.

Fischer said despite the loss, she was pleased with the way her team performed against the defending Class 2 state champions.

“It was exciting,” said Fischer, who is part of a senior class that includes Carson Flake and Addison Schluss. “For once, we felt like a team. We didn’t get down on ourselves and divide. So it was nice.”

Fischer has been playing volleyball since she was in seventh grade. She said her favorite part of playing volleyball is hanging out with her teammates.

“The girls you play with become your family,” said Fischer, who also plays basketball in the winter. “It’s like a good way to come in after school and kind of relieve stress and work. It’s a good way to get in your exercise and have fun at the same time.”

Fischer is hoping to continue her volleyball career in college next year.

“I would love it, just to be able to keep going and give me something to do while I’m at school,” Fischer said.