Tony Hanna remembered when he first got the nod as a freshman to enter a varsity game for the Whitehall program.

At the time, Hanna decided to forgo a potential football career and turn his attention to volleyball, a sport he recently began to grow an affection toward.

"When I got put in the game, I was a little shocked," recalled Hanna. "I couldn't believe it was me going into the game. I thought I was out there having fun, but then I realized I had to get serious."

From there, Hanna's game not only became focused, but it also became quite productive. Through the years, he has developed into the focal point of the Zephyrs' offense from his setter position, and he also became the school's all-time assist leader with more than 2,400 entering this season.

"Tony (Hanna) sets a great game," said head coach George Cowitch. "He's our go-to guy. He's been doing it for three years and he also does a tremendous job running our offense.

"He has really developed as a player and leader on this team."

Hanna initially began playing volleyball in seventh grade. Despite some setbacks, he decided to stay with the course.

"Back then, we basically stunk," he said frankly. "I didn't realize how technical the game is and how quick it is out there. Once I began to really study what we needed to do, the game changed."

Hanna then began to appreciate the game more.

"When you're out there, you realize how fast this game is," he said. "Every point is valuable, but you can't dwell on any mistakes you make. You have to get right back at it and try not to make the same mistake again.

Last season, Hanna believed he had come full circle. He credited Cowitch and assistant coach Laura Hausman for their support and inspiration.

"I really felt more confident and more secure with everything," noted Hanna about his rise from his sophomore year. "I felt like I had to play more of a leadership role and knew I was in charge of the offense.

"I knew I was playing better and I always want every season to be my best. Coach Cowitch is always preaching winning volleyball and coach Hausman has always been there to push me. Both of them have been a big inspiration."

Hanna doesn't have any finalized college plans and he is leaning toward pursuing a career in business.

With a club that is beginning to show signs of coming together, Hanna plans to make the most of his final run, one he wouldn't have imagined as a freshman.

"We're coming together slowly day-by-day," he said. "We have some young players who will help us down the road. It is just a matter of showing them the way and the rest of us playing like we are capable of playing."