Logan Thomas using all-around skills to power Ionia volleyball's success

These days, one of Logan Thomas' favorite things about volleyball is when she puts down a kill.Prior to high school, Thomas never imagined she would be the one putting down the kills and playing in the front row for the Ionia volleyball team.But that's what has happened.It started as a freshman when Thomas transitioned from playing only libero to playing six rotations as an outside hitter and a defensive specialist. She also got some experience playing as a setter in club volleyball early in her high school career. Those experiences have made Thomas an all-around big factor on the court for Ionia.The senior and LSJ girls high school athlete of the week winner recently helped the Bulldogs wrap up a second straight regular season CAAC White title and has ranked among the area's leaders in kills, digs and aces. Thomas has surpassed 1,500 digs and 1,000 kills in a varsity career where she has set seven school records. That has included setting the record for aces in a game this fall."I really have got to experience all aspects of the game," Thomas said. "I think it really has just shown to me you don't really understand how much a libero does in the back row, how much a setter does to get to every ball, how much a hitter does to put the ball away. "I think having those experiences in each of these positions has really helped me as a volleyball player because it kind of shows an understanding. I understand what every person next to me is going through and I have done it and I've been in their shoes. Understanding that is very helpful."Thomas made it a point when she made Ionia's varsity squad as a freshman to strive to make her mark in the program. Getting her name in the record books was part of that mark but Thomas also wanted to show the proper way to do things for the younger kids in the crowd because she remembers the days when she was the young fan in the stands watching the older athletes compete.Ionia volleyball coach Heidi Wenzel has felt the all-around impact made by Thomas over the last four years. While Thomas has put up big numbers on the court, her leadership has been just as vital, especially this season with the Bulldogs having three freshmen playing roles on varsity."She provides an all-around presence," Wenzel said. "She's definitely one of those players that she's that go-to player, but she doesn't play like that. It's not that the ball has to go to her. She's more than happy to set her teammates, make sure that she's covering her teammates. That's really been a key aspect of knowing that we have that consistency out on that pin. It really is a testament to her effort and hustle and just drive to want to ensure that our play is at the pace that it needs to be and that she's doing everything she can to help the team succeed and not just herself. She's not a player that is out there playing individual ball."When we play as a team it takes everybody out there and that's one of the biggest impacts I think is that she recognizes that. I think it elevates her play along with other players around her."Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on X @brian_calloway.This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Logan Thomas using all-around skills to power Ionia volleyball's success