My name is Piper Mickenheim, I am a quick 5’4” Libero and I will graduate from Argyle High School in May 2025.  As a child I played soccer, basketball, volleyball and ran track. Volleyball started when I was around 6 years old, and I fell in love with the sport immediately. By the time I was 11, I made the decision that volleyball was THE sport for me and that’s all I played after that! Fall in school, and Spring club season for some of the top clubs in DFW. The 2024 club season will be my 4th year on Excel’s top team, as the Libero for the 17U National Red. During my career, I have always been a Libero, with the exception of my Freshman High School season. I have been a Varsity starter since my freshman year (DS) and Varsity Libero as my Sophomore and now my Junior year. I have always dreamed of winning a state title, and playing at the collegiate level aspiring to win a National Championship there. Still working on both of those… My on the court strengths include overall floor vision, leading our team during games by constant communication, aggressive digs, my personal requirement for consistent great s/r passes to my setters, and an excitement for the sport and competition that helps get everyone going!  I’m a passionate player with a lot of determination, hustle, and overall athleticism.  I have had the honor of being taught by Coach Katelyn Johnson, as my head coach at AHS, Coach Justin Waters, Coach JJ Castillo, Coach Ro Manio at Excel VBC, and Coach Trent Sorensen (SMU) twice as a two time USAV NTR All Star selection where we won gold both times! Early in this current 2023 HS Season, I experienced a small injury to my foot which kept me sidelined for 2 weeks. This being my first injury that kept me out of a starting lineup. I hated not being able to be there for my team on the court. However, I helped coach and lead from the sideline, dedicated myself to making a full recovery, followed all medical protocol, and I’m now ready for my Junior season. Even though it was short compared to some injuries others have to deal with, I say all of this because it helped me remember and further understand the importance of mental toughness, trusting the process and always having a great work ethic as I recovered from this injury. Academics are equally as important to me and my long-term success as a student-athlete. I take honors classes, and I am enrolled in a dual credit program to get a start on my college hours. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting, going to the lake and hanging out with friends and family (I have 3 awesome siblings and very supportive parents!). My goal after high school is to play at the collegiate level in a program that will help me grow both as an athlete and a person.