Around middle school, Eve Backhaus’ athletic path took a bit of a detour. Yet she just went with the flow and made the most of it–which also explains the story of her junior season with the East Haven volleyball team in taking an unexpected journey.

Eve grew up playing softball all through her youth and elementary school years. But then her family inspired her to try out the volleyball court. She became enthralled with the game and made it her main sport. Late in the preseason, the Yellowjackets were a bit shorthanded when they lost their starting and lone setter. So the former outside hitter stepped up and stepped in to fill the void to the tune of 2024 campaign numbers of 11 kills, 69 aces, an 87.1 serve percentage, 78 digs, and 366 assists.

“Volleyball is a game of errors, but it is such a team-focused sport, so everyone supports each other. We all work so well together, and when you make a mistake, it is okay because you have so many people to lift you up,” says Eve. “As a freshman, I was strong at serving, but then I did training with my club team in the offseason and became more of a passer. We had our setter step aside this year, but I felt like I was able to learn the position really well and quickly. I count the season as a success because the team benefited.”

The setter scene is quite honestly a whole different world, according to Eve. The task of getting acclimated to it seemed all too daunting at first to her, but then there was a pivotal moment prior to the campaign that changed her entire outlook and focus.

“It was hard learning how to play the position because there is so much to it. You have to learn the rotations, how the hitters like their sets, and the rules with the position,” Eve says. “I was so stressed out after a preseason scrimmage, but then my coaches pulled me aside, gave me a motivational speech, and they said they knew I was giving 100%. They also said that as long as I was not messing up on purpose, then I would be okay. It made me feel they had faith in me. I also knew I was our only setter, so I was a glue holding us together sort of, and then I went out and had a great Opening Day game.”

Eve would endure some typical nerves as a freshman–fearful of what to do when the court spotlight fell on her. But after putting in the field work year-round, she found herself craving the ball.

“I was nervous all the time as a freshman. If the ball came to me, I would think I was going to mess up,” says Eve. “My mindset changed after I did offseason training and then after the first game of the year. I wanted the ball to come to me now. I also knew I had to step up, and there was no room to tell myself that I was not good enough. I kept that mindset and energy until it became natural.”

East Haven volleyball Head Coach Craig Brown notes that the tale of Eve’s junior season just speaks volumes to her selflessness as a teammate. She was someone who was courageous enough to take on a whole new assignment on a moment’s notice, all with a smile and absence of complaints.

“Eve has been a three-year player who has always put the team ahead of herself. As a freshman, she played outside hitter and defensive specialist while playing Junior Varsity (JV) and making some appearances in varsity matches. As a sophomore, she started as the varsity libero all season. Then heading into this season, she was planned on to be the team’s outside hitter,” says Brown. “Unfortunately, the team's setter situation changed, and Eve was forced from a more comfortable role as a starting outside hitter into an unfamiliar role of starting at setter. Despite the position change, and having limited time to prepare for Opening Day, Eve accepted the challenge and worked throughout the season to better herself and do her best to put the team into the best position she could.”

It did take time to develop some synergy with her immediate court colleagues up front as a setter. Still, Eve and her offensive teammates got through it all by speaking clearly and often with them having faith in her and letting Eve do her thing.

“The chemistry with my hitters was tough at first, but we worked on it by communicating and learning how they liked their sets. Putting in the reps also helped me, too,” Eve says. “My hitters were really supportive through it all. They would let me regroup when they knew I needed it.”

The Yellowjackets fell just a pair of victories shy of the postseason party this past fall. But Eve knows the pieces and the fighting spirit is there next fall for the Yellowjackets to get back there. She will also look to further expand her repertoire as a player, and continue her court career beyond graduation.

“I hope we make states next year because we really are a talented team,” says Eve. “We have a lot of energy on this team and are ready to win. I want to do it for my senior year, and I think one thing we need to do as a team is to bring our energy up. For me, I will continue to play on my travel team and work on my passing and hitting. I want to become a more versatile player, and play volleyball in college.”