Fayetteville setter Schaffer looks forward to All-Star experience

Quincy Schaffer wasn’t a full-time starter for the Fayetteville High School volleyball team until her senior season, but she took the reins of the offense and helped the Lady Bulldogs claim their fourth straight state title.

Schaffer put in the work as a sophomore and junior and then was ready to make the most of her opportunities as a senior. She served more as a serving specialist as a backup to two-time Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year Kennedy Phelan in her sophomore and junior years. But that didn’t bother Schaffer at all.

“Any way I can contribute to the team, big or small, I wanted to be a part of it,” Schaffer said. “I think it’s important to be loyal to your team and give it your all, regardless of your role. Fayetteville volleyball, it’s the place to be for Northwest Arkansas. It’s special that I was able to show what I’m all about worked last year.”

The 5-9 setter averaged 10 assists per set, 2.6 digs per set, along with 46 service aces and earned all-tournament honors as a senior.

She will try to help the West team to a victory in the Arkansas High School Coaches’ Association All-Star volleyball game on Friday. The first service is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Farris Center on the University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway.

Fayetteville coach Jessica Phelan said even though Schaffer wasn’t a starter as a sophomore or junior, her contributions were still significant. That experience came to the fore as a senior when only one starter returned, Jessica Phelan added.

“As a senior, I felt like she was someone who waited her turn to take the reins of the offense, but at the same time had that experience,” Phelan said. “Quincy was there for those big moments and she had that calm demeanor that we really trusted.

“That calmness is key for a setter whose team watches them especially in big moments. When I think of Quincy, I think of someone who doesn’t get upset. She stays calm and I think that’s definitely an important quality in you setter.”

After high school, Schaffer decided to focus on college life instead of continuing as an athlete. She will attend Ole Miss in the fall.

“I’m at the point where I feel very confident in my decision and don’t regret anything,” Schaffer said. “Volleyball will always be a part of who I am.

“I learned almost everything from it: hard work and all those lessons you learn from sport. I will always take that with me.”

Schaffer, who hasn’t played much volleyball since the fall, said she’s looking forward to the All-Star experience.

“This week I’m not putting too much pressure on myself just because I’ve been off for so long,” Schaffer said. “I’m just going to have fun with it. I’m excited to play with some girls I’ve never played with and some I’ve played with – one of them Reese (Ricketts of Harrison), we played together back then We were ten years old, so I can’t wait to play with her.”

Schaffer didn’t mince his words when asked about the outcome.

“I’m going to have fun, but we’re going to win, that’s not a question,” Schaffer said.