Junior outside hitter Abbey Knight doesn’t have any fear of failure for Providence.
It’s a philosophy she learned during the club season that also works while leading the Celtics.
“There’s a quotation my club coach told me that the lion doesn’t listen to a sheep’s opinions,” Knight said. “Thinking about that really meant something to me as a person.
“I realized if I wasn’t afraid of making errors, others would follow in my footsteps and I’d be able to lead a team.”
Knight roared like a lion Monday night, coming up with 15 kills and three blocks for Providence in a heartbreaking 25-23, 25-23 loss to Limestone in the Class 3A Pontiac Supersectional.
Junior outside hitter Cali Tierney added five kills, a block and an ace for the Celtics (30-10), who lost in the supersectional for a second straight year. Junior right-side hitter Demi Carbone had four kills and an ace.
In the first game, Knight tallied nine kills, enabling the Celtics to storm back from a seven-point deficit to force a 23-23 tie.
“I guess it just wasn’t there for us (Monday night), and I feel awful we couldn’t get through the mental game,” Knight said. “It was a sad game, but I truly felt like we had a chance.
“It’s more upsetting than last year given we had that chance. We just couldn’t execute.”
The 6-foot-1 Knight, who was named the conference’s player of year as a sophomore last season, took her game to another level with her command and force at the point of attack.
The Wright State recruit finished the season with 422 kills.
“She improved in every area tenfold, from hitting percentage to kills,” Providence coach Lee Rucinski said. “She has worked very hard to be a full-rotation player and be a dominant force.”
As the third-youngest child from an athletic family, Knight has fused together toughness, skill and a fearless approach. Her oldest brother, Sam, was a standout hockey player for the Celtics.
After playing at Western Michigan, Sam is now training as a bodybuilder. Still, Abbey was never afraid to battle against Sam or middle brother Charlie.
“When I was wrestling with them, I always wanted to be on top,” Knight said. “I told them I’m not letting you guys get the best of me because I’m a girl.
“I definitely learned a lot growing up with two older brothers and understanding my parents’ own past and how they built what they have.”
She also has impressed her Providence coaches by not resting on her laurels.
“A great work ethic,” Rucinski said. “She’s one of the 1% where she has a lot of natural ability and gifts and she’s not wasting it. She’s probably in the gym more than any kid I’ve ever coached.
“That’s her secret weapon.”
Even considering Knight’s significant accomplishments, Carbone said she’s always approachable and accessible.
“Being able to play with her has been a dream,” Carbone said. “She’s such a great influence with her attitude and just her willingness to to give her whole self to the team.
“She brings a type of confidence to everyone, and it’s contagious. There are no words to describe her.”
Knight also sees the game and the world around her as well as she plays.
“I’m a very aggressive player,” she said. “When things gets down, I can read other people and I know how to pick them up. I’m proud of these girls and everything we worked for.
“Back-to-back sectional champions is the best feeling in the world. Next year, we’re going to come back and finally win this supersectional.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
