Hoffman Earns Gamer of the Week
Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. and The Putnam Herald are pleased to present this week’s Female Gamer of the Week to Senior, Zoey Hoffman of the Buffalo High School Volleyball team.
Buffalo High School is buzzing with excitement as senior setter Zoey Hoffman, a standout athlete and leader, continues to make waves both on and off the volleyball court. Known for her impressive skills and exceptional leadership, Zoey is a cornerstone of the team’s success this season.
Coached by Barry Clendenin, Zoey is described as a tremendous young lady and a valuable asset to the program. “On the court, she is a great leader and always encourages those around her,” Clendenin said. “Her calm court presence keeps the team focused in pressure situations, yet she is one of the fiercest players I’ve ever had.” Hoffman’s contributions have not gone unnoticed; she has been named First Team All-State as both a sophomore and junior, showcasing her outstanding abilities while maintaining a humble attitude.
In addition to her athletic skills, Zoey excels academically and holds prominent roles in school organizations. She serves as the president of the National Honor Society and is a national qualifier with the Future Business Leaders of America chapter. Her dedication to her studies and extracurricular activities exemplifies her commitment to excellence in all areas of her life.
Reflecting on her journey, Zoey shares that her passion for volleyball began in middle school, thanks to her older cousin, Lilly Wyant, who played for Buffalo. “I really didn’t know what volleyball was until she started playing,” Zoey recalled. “I’ve been playing since the 6th grade, and my favorite part about the sport is how it flows. It’s so much fun to be on the same page with your teammates and work together to win games.”
As the team looks ahead, Hoffman and her teammates are focused on their goals for the season. “Our goal is to make it back to the state tournament and be competitive,” she said. “We were disappointed with our performance last season and are excited to start fresh.” Zoey’s personal aim is to secure another First Team All-State honor, despite the challenges posed by the team’s new classification.
Zoey’s role models include her cousin Lilly, who she has looked up to for as long as she can remember. Former teammate Chloe Hale, who taught her how to be a leader and to have fun while playing. Lastly, Texas setter Ella Swindle, who led her team to a national title as a freshman. “Ella Swindle is just the bomb,” Zoey said with admiration.
Currently, Buffalo’s volleyball team boasts an impressive 7-0 record for the season, reflecting the strong team chemistry and competitive spirit that Zoey and her teammates bring to the court. Looking to the future, Hoffman plans to major in biology at West Virginia University and play on their club volleyball team. Her involvement in Putnam Volleyball Club, student council, FBLA, and NHS highlights her well-rounded character and dedication to both academics and athletics.
Please look for other local high school athletes to be named in next week’s Female Gamer of the Week Sponsored by Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. and The Putnam Herald.
MEGAN SCARBERRY, MS, CPT, CNC POTENTIAL PLUS INSTRUCTOR AT TEAYS PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER INC.