VOLLEYBALL

Senior spotlight: Lainey Brunner a source of stability for Medford volleyball this year

Tim Johnson
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Lainey Brunner is one of four returning seniors for a Medford volleyball team that is tied with Mosinee for first place in the Great Northern Conference.

MEDFORD - The Medford volleyball team has a different look this season. 

The Raiders graduated four players who were either first- or second-team all-Great Northern Conference selections last year, including two who were unanimous selections. Longtime coach Dave Vaara stepped down was replaced by former Athens coach Cheryl Schreiner. 

Lainey Brunner has been a source of stability for the Red Raiders. The senior middle hitter is a co-captain and one of four seniors on the squad, which is tied with Mosinee for first place in the GNC. 

RELATED: Kali Karl looks to finish on top in final run with Auburndale cross country team

RELATED: Isabelle Jjensen's move to Marshfield golf has come better late than never

"She is one of the players who had varsity experience from last year and is really good with the younger girls," Schreiner said. "She is a leader by her actions and work ethic. She has versatility (as a player). She is a good passer and a good server and obviously is very good up front."

Brunner is also a member of Medford's basketball and track teams and recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about this year's volleyball teams, her athletic highlights and a love of dolphins, among other topics. 

Do you have a nickname or what do your friends and teammates call you?

The only nickname I've ever had in high school was "Lane" just cause I think it is shorter and easier to yell. It got changed to "Lainey Bug" for a while.

What would you say your most memorable sports moment is?

Making it on the podium for state track (in the Division 2 800 relay) as a sophomore. We finished sixth so we were just on the podium, but it was cool to be standing there in front (of the crowd) and be handed your medals. It was a cool feeling. 

What is your most embarrassing sports moment?

Last year at our home track meet I went to do a handoff (in a relay) and I belly-flopped and skidded across the track. But we did make the handoff, so it was worth it. 

Do you have any certain superstitions before a game or meet?

I do pray before almost every sporting thing, either with the whole team or just a couple friends. 

What is it like to be one of two captains and just four seniors for Medford volleyball this year? It's a different team this year.

It's a lot different. I've been used to being behind a huge group of really awesome athletes who graduated last year. This is a cool position to be in, you can impact people in a real positive way. 

Who is your celebrity crush?

Jason Derulo.

Where is your dream vacation?

I have never seen the ocean before, and I love dolphins and would love to swim with them. 

What would be your dream career?

When I was little I always wanted to be a dolphin trainer. That was my dream but I decided that I wanted to live close to my family and you can't really do that in Wisconsin, so I think I want to do something with early childhood.

Dolphins are definitely great. What has always attracted you to them?

I think it's because I got to go to Florida when I was little and I got to see people swimming with (dolphins) at Sea World and I thought that was so cool. 

Favorites

Sport: Volleyball. 

College/pro athlete: (Former Wisconsin volleyball player) Haleigh Nelson. I went to a (volleyball) camp in Madison this summer and she has such a positive attitude and is an awesome hitter. She taught me a lot that summer. 

Musician or group: Shawn Mendes. 

TV show: "Chicago PD"

Movie: "Remember the Titans"

Food: Spaghetti.