All-Stater Ndam-Simpson leads Westside volleyball

The Westside volleyball team has entered their postseason, and with that comes a lot of high hopes. The Warriors are the number one seed in the A-4 District and that means a lot for a team that has battled injuries all year. But one key player is helping the Warriors meet those high expectations. All-State outside hitter Destiny Ndam-Simpson is hoping to end her senior year on a high note.

 “We play a lot of games coming up,” Ndam-Simpson said. “We played some great volleyball, we came back from a lot of big deficits, and we know if we can’t start off stronger, we’re gonna be able to push through.”

Westside’s season has followed a theme of getting knocked down, but staying in the fight. They have battled through injuries and have many comebacks throughout the season. One of Westside’s biggest wins of the season happened in the Westside Invitational, when they defeated the number one team in Class B Elkhorn North.

“It was really good.” Ndam-Simpson said, “ We had a lot of grit, especially going down a set and coming back and pushing through. Just being able to build points and run sets being down more than three or four points. Just continuing being able to do that especially against big teams, so we’re gonna string runs against us and then us being able to string runs against them.”

Ndam-Simpson ranks in the top 20 in Nebraska for kills, hitting percentage, blocks, and digs. Westside head coach Korrine Bowers touched on Ndam-Simpson’s run of playing great playoff volleyball.

“Destiny has really taken over in October. We were just talking today about how October is her month. How she just comes out and she shines, we continue to see that. Last year we saw it, this year we saw it. It’s almost like postseasons are what she’s called to do.”

Coach Bowers spoke on how well rounded and skilled Ndam-Simpson is as a player. Ndam-Simpson is also a captain on the team. The role comes with the expectations of leadership, and the senior has lived up to those expectations. 

“Definitely a sixth row all around player.” Bowers said, “Typically you don’t see that in a kid that’s 6’3. Usually you see a kid who can hit well, who’s a stud outside and can lead the state in kills, but you don’t see a well rounded player like that. I’ve never coached a kid who can lead in digs, aces, and blocks. She does it all. Not only that but she’s a captain on our team, she’s a great leader. She’s really done a great job of speaking up. She’s done a really good job of leading some of those younger kids on the court especially with some injuries on the team. I’m proud of her for rising up to the occasion and leading our team.”

Ndam-Simpson will continue playing volleyball at the next level. She will attend Creighton University, where she committed to after decommitting from Hawaii last year. The Bluejays are currently ranked 15th in the coaches poll with an 18-3 record.

“I’m super excited.” Ndam-Simpson said “They’re doing great things, they did great things last year. I’m so excited to be a part of that and I know that what I leave behind at Westside, I’m continuing right away at Creighton. Things didn’t really work out with me in Hawaii. The spot wasn’t for me and it didn’t feel right, so I wanted to go where my heart was gonna be 100% in, and that’s Creighton.”

Ndam-Simpson and her teammates will compete in the A-4 District tournament this week. The expectations are high, and the stage is set for another trip to the State Tournament next month in Lincoln.