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Leopards' Hartley goes out on top
By GREG AUMAN © St. Petersburg Times, published December 12, 2000 In the month since Hernando's season abruptly ended in the first round of the state playoffs, Chrissy Hartley has been able to put her senior year in proper perspective. "This was probably the best season I've had," the Times Citrus-Hernando Player of the Year said Monday. "We didn't really get that far, as far as we wanted to," Hartley said, "but I'll remember this team and how everybody got along so well -- with a lot of unity." Like the Leopards, Hartley entered the season with high expectations. She didn't disappoint, racking up 156 kills and a team-best 69 blocks. Opponents went into matches expecting a steady dose of one of the area's hardest hitters, but what they encountered was a surprisingly well-rounded player. As a sophomore, Hartley played only on the front line, rotating out and spending half the matches on the bench because Hernando had better players defensively for the back row. Hartley made it her goal to fill in the holes in her game and get herself off the bench for good. "She's such a competitive player, and it just killed her to sit on the bench," coach Dena Frye said. "She just told me "I'm going to play back row,' and she earned the right to do that. This year, she was my most aggressive player." Hartley's 6-foot frame is more suited for playing above the net than sprawling on the court after incoming serves and spikes. Her play at shortstop on Hernando's regional champion softball team helped her develop a range well beyond that of most 6-footers. "At shortstop, there's a lot of ground to cover to the left and right," said Hartley, who was the Times Player of the Year after dominating at shortstop, pitcher and the plate last spring. "That gives you quick reflexes, so I owe some of that to softball." Opposing volleyball coaches said they saw the same Hartley they had seen flashes of during her junior year, but they saw it on a relentless basis this time around. "She played with much more confidence this year, and she was much more consistent," Central coach Jim Jensen said. "That's what set her apart. "She went out and did it every day. She was a factor on the court every game. "Everybody knew they were going to Hartley," Jensen said, "and she still was able to perform at such a level all season." Hartley's best work may be ahead of her, as she's taking the winter season off before returning to action for softball in February. Hartley's dominance on the mound helped the Leopards finish a victory short of a state title. While she hasn't ruled out playing volleyball in college, she expects to have her best scholarship offers in softball. "If I were to get the right offer with a scholarship as good as what I've gotten in softball, I'd probably go for it," said Hartley, who's strongly considering Pasco-Hernando Community College. "But I think softball's more my love." Chrissy HartleyCLASS: Senior. AGE: 17. HEIGHT: 6-foot. FAVORITE CD: Anything from Tim McGraw. "I'm always listening to country music." MOONLIGHTING: Hartley leaves school early each day for a on-the-job training program at her grandfather's business, where she's learning computer skills and taking care of invoices and shipping. INSPIRATION: Her father, Rick, who works for Hernando County Utilities. "He's my No. 1 fan, and he's kept me going through a lot of hard times. I owe it all to him. He compliments me, but he also gives me what I'm doing wrong. I used to think, "Get off my back, Dad!', but now I respect that. I'm thanking him for making me a better person."
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