‘Fierce’ Addie Barnes Earns Her 1,000 Career Kill

Fifth-year outside hitter Addie Barnes has stuck around Loyola for an extra year in hopes of leading the women’s volleyball team to another successful year in the Atlantic-10 conference. Barnes has shown up for the Loyola by producing an impressive stat sheet for the Ramblers.

Barnes recently achieved a career total of 1,000 kills against the University of Dayton at home on Sept. 22, adding to her season total of 114.  

Barnes said she wanted to be like her older sisters who both were involved in soccer and volleyball while she was growing up. It wasn’t until Barnes started hitting the ball around at her sister’s tournaments that her love for soccer and basketball was replaced by volleyball. This led her to start playing at the club level in sixth grade. 

Following in her oldest sister’s footsteps, Barnes said she wanted to play volleyball at the collegiate level. Watching games at home on TV and in-person when she could — especially her hometown University of Wisconsin Badgers — made her want to be a part of what she saw in front of her. 

During her second-year spring break, Barnes made the decision to commit to Loyola, noting the Chicago atmosphere was a big pull. 

“Meeting the team and continuously coming back for games and interacting with them, how they treated me and who they were as people, I just knew that this program was something special and I wanted to be a part of it,” Barnes said. 

In her first year as a Rambler, Barnes stunned the Missouri Valley Conference and Loyola, accomplishing one of the best first seasons a Rambler could. She quickly established herself as an all-around player, averaging 2.99 kills per set and 2.87 digs per set. Barnes received four MVC Freshman of the Week accolades and was named Freshman of the Year at the end of the season, making her the first Rambler to win the award.

Barnes battled a foot injury in her second year, keeping her out for the entire season. Fourth-year right-side Emily Banitt said despite not playing with the team Barnes maintained her leadership role off the court.

Being out for a season didn’t stop Barnes in her third year. She topped her astounding first year statistically, raising her averages to 3.22 kills per game and 2.55 digs per game. Barnes also received her second designation to the First-Team All MVC and was ranked fifth in the conference in service aces. 

Last season, Barnes helped secure the A-10 conference championship with back-to-back double-doubles in the championship rounds, adding to her impressive list of achievements. 

Head coach Amanda Berkley said Barnes is an “impact player.”  

“She is aggressive, she swings really well, a hard hitter and when you need a point,” Berkley said. “She finds a way to get the point.”

Given her season sitting out with injury and the COVID-19 rules from the NCAA, Barnes decided she wanted to stay on the team and play her full four years. Berkley said she wanted Barnes to stay another year due to the consistency, power and leadership she brings to the team. 

In addition to playing another year for the Ramblers, Barnes is finishing her bachelors degree in both the communication and business schools. 

Barnes’ natural ability to lead and be a ‘fierce competitor” is something the team looks up to, according to Banitt. The respect she commands on the court creates a learning and inspirational environment for the younger players by holding herself to a high standard that applies to everyone on the court. 

“Not only does she bring that intensity but that leadership role that kind of everyone looks to,” Banitt said. “She also takes the role of holding herself and everyone else on the team accountable, which sometimes that can be a very tricky role to step into, and she’s done a really great job stepping into that role for the past five years now.” 

Barnes said she likes to lead by her actions and make connections with the entire team on the court, especially since it is her last year as a Rambler. 

Berkeley added to the praise of Barnes as a leader, noting her skills come naturally to her. 

“We’ve had a lot of freshmen this year, and I think she does a good job,” Berkley said. “She is not afraid to say something to someone. Sometimes with players, you don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings and not say something that needs to be said. She’s one that is not afraid to do that.” 

Banitt said Barnes brings a “relatable and goofy” side to the team. Her ability to push the other teammates in practice then crack a joke a few minutes later adds to her overall character and personality, according to Banitt. 

Along with her ability to lead the team, Barnes plays a key role, Banitt said. Her ability to push the other teammates in practice then crack a joke a few minutes later adds to her overall character and personality. 

Barnes can be seen with the Ramblers against George Washington at Gentile Arena Saturday and Sunday Oct. 7 and 8 at 3 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively. 

Featured image by Holden Green | The Phoenix