Smithson Valley senior Lydia Werchan wants to be known as the complete volleyball player.

If the Rangers need someone to come through with a big offensive play, the Smithson Valley senior is more than happy to deliver. If help is needed on defense, Werchan is there to make the diving stop.

Versatility makes playing more but it also helps in a team’s success. And Wer-chan’s ability has proven to be a major asset to Smithson Valley clinching one of District 26-5A’s four playoff spots.

What makes Werchan’s situation even more enjoyable, there’s still a chance to do more. With three matches remaining, Smithson Valley sits in third place, while Reagan and Churchill share the lead. The Rangers want to end the regular season on a winning note and have a successful run through the playoffs.

Smithson Valley has an open date Friday and faces Churchill Wednesday, before closing out the regular season against Lee and Roosevelt.

Werchan wants to be involved.

“I like doing a lot of things,” Werchan said. “I love hitting, but the defensive part of the game is a favorite of mine. I like trying to get to every ball. When you get a dig, you know it is helping your team.

“Being a hitter helps me on defense, because I know a hitter’s tendencies. It makes you a stronger player when you do both.”

Smithson Valley coach Liana Gombert has made the most of Werchan’s ability by inserting her at outside hitter. That way the three-year veteran can help out in a variety of ways.

“She’s the complete package,” Gombert said. “She’s a great hitter and plays great defense. She has excellent ball control. She is very valuable.”

Werchan has done her homework to make reach the level of play.

Ever since she played club volleyball, Werchan played against players two years older. Stronger competition made things go much easier when joining Smithson Valley’s varsity as a sophomore.

At the same time, she plays libero on her club team, which has enabled her to spruce up the defensive skills. Her quickness and power, along with a solid knowledge of the game, solidifies the hitting.

There is also the family advantage. As the youngest of four, Lydia watched her two older brothers and sisters excel in athletics at Smithson Valley. Walter played football and basketball. Arthur was a swimmer, while sisters Hanna and Emma played volleyball and basketball.

Now, she’s keeping the family name in good standing and there’s plenty of support from her older siblings, especially from the two who played volleyball.

“They’ve all been great in helping me,” Werchan said. “Hannah was an aggressive player and very enthusiastic. She played hard. When she was on the bench, she was always cheering on her team. She comes to my games and always gives me good advice. Emma is a great cheerleader. She always encourages me.”

This season has been special for Werchan. Although she has varsity experience, many of her younger teammates are learning the ropes. The Smithson Valley senior has helped them make the adjustment, just like the upperclassmen did for her.

Werchan has definitely seen the Rangers grow in a short period of time. Smithson Valley won the Austin tournament and took the consolation crown in the 72-team Pearland tournament. They have also held their own in 26-5A.

In the long run, Werchan expects that grind from league play to help once the post-season arrives.

“This team is really coming together,” Werchan said. “I think we play in the hardest district in the state. That’s going to help us, because we know how to play in the tough matches. It makes you tougher and shows you can handle if you work together.”