Catoosa High School’s volleyball gym has become a second home for varsity player Adilyn Chisum, a versatile athlete who thrives on energy, accountability and the tight-knit bond she shares with her teammates. As an outside hitter who can also step in at setter, she is often at the center of the action and embraces both the responsibility and the rush that come with those roles.
“My favorite thing about my teammates at Catoosa is how we all take accountability for our mistakes and how even after we make mistakes, we brush it off and encourage each other to do better,” Chisum said.
Chisum’s love for the game is closely tied to the moments when the gym erupts after a big play. “I play outside and sometimes set setter. I enjoy getting a good hit or a good hit off of my set and the energy getting brought up,” she said. Whether she is swinging from the outside or delivering a well-placed set, she feeds off the momentum her team creates together.
Last season served as a turning point in her development, as she sharpened both her mechanics and her volleyball IQ. “I learned to swing through all the way and learned how to observe the court and be smarter,” Chisum said. Now, she is focused on taking that next step as a hitter. “I’m working on reading the hitters better and making smarter decisions as a hitter.”
Her growth has been fueled by strong influences close to home and within the program. “My sister always inspired me and to be a better athlete and to always be mentally tough and coachable,” Chisum said. She also credits former teammate Emma DeArmond for helping her make the transition to high school volleyball. “Emma DeArmond took me under her wing my freshman year and has pushed me to be a better player.”
The work continues in the offseason, where summer workouts and club volleyball keep her busy and connected. “Summer workouts are good, and I like how we [teammates] bond more because of the amount of time we spend together, I also am playing club,” she said. In addition to volleyball, Chisum is a multi-sport athlete who also plays soccer for Catoosa, further showcasing her competitiveness and versatility.
Looking ahead, Chisum’s goals extend beyond the court. “I would like to go into aviation after high school,” she said. Whether she is elevating for a kill or charting a future in the skies, Chisum brings the same focus, accountability and team-minded spirit that have made her a key piece of Catoosa’s volleyball program.
