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PREP PROFILE: Abbey Pederson leads the charge for Lancers in final season

Independent file photo Canby’s Abbey Pederson sets the ball during an Oct. 28, 2016 match against CMCS.

CANBY – Abbey Pederson has been playing at the varsity level for the Canby Lancers since she was an eighth grader. That’s countless sets, matches and practices that Pederson has given her blood, sweat and tears to as a Lancer. Since her eighth grade year she’s taken the court with a handful of different teammates. As Pederson prepares for her senior season she said those teammates are what she’ll miss the most about being a Canby Lancer.

“I’ll miss my teammates the most,” Pederson said. Our team is really close. I’m friends with everybody. It’s going to be really hard not playing with them and being with them, because I’ve been playing with them for such a long time.”

Pederson is a coach’s daughter. Her mother, Amy Wagner is the coach for the Lancers. Pederson said that relationship with her mother has given her a better understanding for the game.

“It has helped me understand the game better,” Pederson said. “Whenever we talk at home we talk about volleyball. We always seem to be talking about volleyball. It helps me understand the game more. It’s really nice. She’s really hard on me. She sees the potential. She’s really hard on me in practice. It’s made me a better player.”

That understanding for the game started at a young age. With her mom roaming the bench, Pederson had a front seat ticket to games and instantly fell in love with the game.

“My mom is the coach,” Pederson said. “I always thought it was cool how she coached all the big kids. I fell in love with the sport at an early age.”

As Pederson prepares for her fifth and final season at the varsity level, she said she still gets a rush each time the team scores a point.

“I like how much of a team sport it is,” Pederson said. “You can’t get a point without your team. The whole team contributes to that one point. Whenever you do get a point, or get a big hit, or a good serve all that hardwork pays off that one team.”

With four years at the varsity level under her belt, Pederson is constantly looking for ways to improve. She said her main focus this offseason is her defense.

“I’ve been working a lot on my defense,” Pederson said. “I’m also worked on my jump setting.”

A year ago the Lancers finished the season with a 16-8 record. They had their season come to an end in the second round of the section tournament when they lost to Central Minnesota Christian. Pederson said the team’s goal this season is to play as a team and get better each day.

“Our team goal is to play as a team and play for each other,” Pederson said. “We want to be mentally strong throughout the whole season.”

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