Lights, Camera, action

MOSES LAKE — As whistles blow and screaming fans cheer loudly during a home volleyball game, one might not notice the young girl sitting in the highest corner of the stands.

If anyone was watching they might admire her T-shirt stating, "If you think my sister's good, you should see me," or the fact that she watches the game with an intensity rare for an 11-year-old.

Next to her sits a video camera.

"At first I was going to be the water girl, and then Coach Dean asked me to be the videotape girl," smiles Hannah Dietzen, glancing in the direction of Moses Lake Christian Academy's head volleyball coach Dean Spurbeck.

Dietzen's T-shirt also hints toward the reason for her dedication. Her older sister is the senior team captain for MLCA.

"Taping is fun because I get to watch my sister, and learn about volleyball," Dietzen states.

In her second year as the video technician for the varsity volleyball team Dietzen has become one of the teams most valuable assets. Spurbeck uses her video as a teaching tool for his players and to scout opposing teams. He believes her job helps him be a better coach.

Rarely has Dietzen missed a home or away match. Before every game she shows up early to help set up the camera and makes sure everything is "just right."

While waiting for the match to start she can be found doing homework in the bleachers with several friends around her.

At the end of each match, Dietzen is the first to pack up and volunteer a helping hand elsewhere.

When not being the video tech for the MLCA's volleyball team, Dietzen herself aspires to be an athlete. Playing both volleyball and basketball, she hopes to grow up to play sports professionally.

When asked which sport she likes best Dietzen passes a glance at Spurbeck, and with a twinkle in her eye responds, "I don't really have a favorite. I would say volleyball, but if my dad reads this he might get mad at me." Dietzen's father happens to be the MLCA girl's basketball coach.

Beyond sports Dietzen's family is her next favorite subject. Her heroes are her parents because, "They are always there for me and they always support me." Dietzen shyly adds, "Even though my sister doesn't know it, I really like hanging out with her."

As the youngest of five kids, Dietzen appreciates the challenges sports offer. She has spent many inspired years watching her siblings compete, and is excited for her turn on the court. That will be her chance to hand off her position to the next up-and-coming star.