Attacking the net has never been a problem for Bellevue Wolverines senior outside hitter Elise Berberoglu on the volleyball court.

Berberoglu, who has been in the Wolverines varsity starting lineup since her freshman season in 2011, loves the thrill of spiking the ball for game-altering points.

“A lot of people are timid at the net but I just like to hit the ball as hard as I can,” Berberoglu said.

While Berberoglu enjoys the rush of competing for points at the top of the net, she also picks her spots depending on how opposing teams’ defenses are positioned.

“Our coaches emphasize shot selection. You have to be smart with where you are putting the ball. That is something I make sure I always focus on,” she said.

Wolverines head coach Mike Beckerman said Berberoglu’s velocity and placement of shots are second to none.

“Elise is definitely strong armed and very smart with her shot selection. She makes good plays and hits hard,” Beckerman said. “She’s a very energetic and focused person. She’s been that way since the first day she took the court four years ago and has determination in everything she does.”

Berberoglu, who is one of the Wolverines’ three captains this season, was dubbed a team leader since she stepped foot in the gymnasium four years ago.

“Elise has been a team captain since her first year because you could just see that leadership on the court,” Beckerman said.

Berberoglu said she strives to embrace the underclassmen with open arms, so they feel connected with the more experienced players on the roster.

“When I was a freshman I was really close with all of the juniors and seniors. They were super welcoming. I feel like this year our team is really close. We connect well on and off the court. It’s cool to be someone the younger girls on the team can look up to and talk to about not only volleyball, but about everything,” Berberoglu said.

Beckerman, who is in his fifth season as the Wolverines volleyball head coach, guided his team to districts the past two seasons but has yet to lead the Wolverines to the Class 3A state tournament. Berberoglu said this year’s team has the ability to surpass last year’s showing this November.

“Our goal is to go to state (tournament). We haven’t been to state in a long time, that’s our main goal,” Berberoglu said. “We start off with small goals and slowly check them off. If we can get to state, that would be amazing.”

Berberoglu said Beckerman’s a tireless worker who knows the game inside and out.

“Mike completely changed Bellevue volleyball. He dedicates so much time to this program. That inspires us because we know he is so dedicated and puts in so much effort,” she said. “He inspires us to put in the same amount of effort and time he puts in. Mike is not a big yeller but he really understands the game and knows it so well. We love playing for him.”

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com