This year, the Windsor high school volleyball team hit many milestones. Aside from the team accomplishment of finishing fourth in the state, several athletes took home individual awards as well. Several individuals made the Windsor all-tournament team, MICDS all-tournament team, 1st Team All-District, 2nd Team All-District, the Dream team, and more. 

Now, Ally Moore and Taylor Duncan can say they made the Class 3 All-State team. 

Duncan said, “Making the all-state team means so much to me; it’s been a goal of mine for my high school career. It’s an amazing feeling to realize that I accomplished so much my senior season, especially since I’m coming back from knee surgery.” 

Since the two have been on the varsity the past four years, it was fitting that Moore and Duncan made the team together. 

Moore said, “It was a huge accomplishment, the most meaningful certificate to me. ”

Both Moore and Duncan shared how coach Stephany Dueker-Richmond made an impact on their volleyball career. 

Duncan said, “Coach Dueker played a major role in helping me become the player and person I’ve become. I couldn’t have reached any of my goals if it wasn’t for her.” 

Moore knew that she couldn’t have done anything without her teammates and Dueker-Richmond. Playing sports comes with a need for motivation. 

Moore said, “I like to say my biggest motivation was my old self. I’m very self-motivated now and like accomplishing things for myself.”

Duncan uses a different outlet for her motivation–her family.

 Duncan said, “My biggest motivation is my sister and my mom. Volleyball runs in my family, and following my mom’s and sister’s steps is such a cool feeling.”

Duncan and Moore have played on the varsity volleyball team their whole volleyball career. With that said, many memories were made. Both athletes agree on sectionals being one of the most memorable moments in their four years of playing at Windsor. 

 Duncan said, “When that last ball landed and we realized we were actually going to state, Ally and I dropped to the ground and the whole team dog-piled on top of us in the center of the court. There were so many smiles and tears of joy, knowing all the hard work we put in really paid off. I’ll remember that moment for the rest of my life.”

Moore described winning districts and then following with sectionals as the most memorable two weeks of her life that’s she’s experienced. Both athletes had many accomplishments this year. Moore surpassed 1,700 digs, and Duncan exceeded 1,800 assists. Duncan now holds the record for the highest number of assists at Windsor High School. 

While there were so many great goals met for Moore, she said, “The greatest accomplishment had to be getting to be a part of the all-state team. Windsor is very overlooked and I’m just happy we’re getting some recognition. And the fact Taylor and I got it is absolutely huge.”

Moore recently signed with Mineral Area College and Duncan is still undecided. While the individual feats are nice, Duncan said that the team accomplishment will be what is remembered. 

Duncan said, “Making history for the entire school by being the first girls’ team to ever qualify for the final four is such a great accomplishment.”