Austin High volleyball coach Tina Lawrence’s team has had almost as much emergency room time as court time in this season, but one quiet person has kept squad moving toward its goal.

Senior setter Jordan Halbrooks is the person in the center of the action for the Lady Bears.

Despite the 19-24 record and losing at least two starters to season-ending injuries, Austin expects to be second in Class 6A, Area 16 tournament that begins next week.

The 5-foot-6-inch Halbrooks is in her second varsity season and fourth in the program. She has 342 assists, 64 aces, 82 digs and 18 saves this season.

Lawrence said Halbrooks does well in providing “good, consistent sets” to the proper person.

The shy Halbrooks spends her free time babysitting and working with children at Decatur Baptist Church.

Halbrooks met with Decatur Daily sports writer Bayne Hughes on Monday to answer these five questions:

Question: How difficult has this season been with losing so many teammates to injuries?

Answer: It was difficult at first because a lot of people had to learn new positions. It improved once we practiced for a while. I think we can still make it to state if we work hard and we all want it enough.

Q: What makes a good setter?

A: You have to be quick and have good hands. It sounds weird, but you have to be able to hit the ball evenly with both hands at the same time. I know I did my job right when the ball doesn’t spin and the hitter gets a good attack on the ball.

Q: Why do you enjoy working with children so much?

A: They’re funny and they’re fun. A lot of kids look up to me so I enjoy teaching them.

Q: What is your favorite subject?

A: History is my favorite because it’s not learning a bunch of equations and working out problems. History is learning about this very interesting things that have already happened.

Q: What are your plans for after high school?

A: I’ll probably go to Calhoun (Community College) initially and then go to UAB. Right now, I’m back and forth between becoming a pediatric nurse or a physical therapist. I needed physical therapy after my knee surgery, and I liked being in that environment.