FAULKTON – Addison Melius remembers her last state volleyball tournament all too well.

As a sophomore, Melius was a key member of a Faulkton team that ended up playing in the semifinals. Unfortunately, she was not on the court after she tore her ACL in the opening round the day before.

Melius had two goals following that experience. The first was to get back to playing, and the second was to get back to the state tournament.

Now a senior, Melius has accomplished the first goal and is working on the second one.

She acknowledged dealing with the injury was tough.

“It was, but knowing that the comeback was going to be stronger than the setback was really huge,” Melius said. “Something that I focused on (was) just working really hard to get back so that I could play, and get back to the state tournament.”

The first part of the equation is complete, the second half is still to be determined.

“We’re looking to accomplish that this year,” Melius said of qualifying for the state tourney. “Still on the goal list.”

There’s no doubt Melius is doing everything in her power to make it happen.

She recently racked up 25 kills in one match, but she can do much more than just hit.

“Addison is such a special asset because she can honestly do just about anything,” said Faulkton coach Mallory Schlechter. “She can hit, play defense, serve really well, she sets a good second ball when the setter takes the first ball.”

Melius said it really doesn’t matter to her how she is involved in a match as long as the Trojans are playing hard.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a big spike, a big block or even a bump kill,” Melius said, “as long as there’s just a lot of energy out there, it’s fun no matter what it is.”

Melius is one of those standout players who makes everyone around her better. Schlechter said that the team leader doesn’t say much, but has a major impact on her teammates.

“She does not say a whole lot on the court, but everyone definitely falls in line with how she is feeling and playing,” Schlechter said. “Addi has pretty much always been willing to put all the pressure on herself and carry the whole group through.”

The Trojans feature a balanced attack with multiple weapons. While Melius may be the first option, she is more than willing to defer to her teammates as well as applaud their success.

“We definitely look to her to help us make a big play in big moments, and she is always happy to do it. She is also always one of the first to cheer on the others when they make big plays, too,” Schlechter said. “She’s OK with giving up a swing or two if someone else is finding success, and I think that is something that makes her such a great leader. Not often are high school kids willing to give up some of the glory for others.”

Opposing defenses can gameplan for Melius, but have found it difficult to implement it.

Melius is able to wait until the last possible second to decide what shot she will attempt.

“If I’m going up and I see two big blockers, maybe I’ll just adjust my shot or where I’m going,” Melius said, “or I do see there’s bigger holes in the defense, just choosing the shots where they’re at, and definitely mixing it up, because mixing it up just keeps them on their toes.”

And what makes stopping Melius even more challenging is her ability to twist and contort in the air, changing the angle of her attempt if she finds her first pathway blocked.

“Addi is very athletic and puts in a lot of time over the summer/off-season with weightlifting and acceleration training,” Schlechter said. “Addi is also a multi-sport athlete and a 4.0 student, which also contributes to her ability to make smart, difficult shots and great plays.”

Melius also plays basketball and competes in track and field for the Trojans.

“I would have to say that volleyball is my favorite,” Melius said, “but whatever season it is, I’m just happy to be playing no matter what the sport is.”

Melius definitely has an appreciation to be able to compete, considering her long journey back from a major injury. She has learned to treat every contest as if it will be her last.

“Tearing my ACL was very picture-changing,” Melius said, “because it really made you realize that you’re not guaranteed every game and anything can happen, really, when you play.”

That perspective plays into the leadership role that Melius has on those around her, on and off the court.

“I know that the injury she suffered at the state tourney her sophomore season has played a big role, not only in her motivation to get back to the state tourney, but also on her perspective in life,” Schlechter said. “The fact that she has turned a negative into a positive probably says a lot about her character.”

While the ultimate goal is to make it back to the state tournament in Rapid City next month at the same venue where she tore her ACL, she is not about to look at seed points or see how the postseason might play out.

Instead, she will continue to enjoy the journey of being with her teammates and making the most of their opportunities together. That’s something Melius said she will remember most about her days with the Trojans.

“Team unity and team bonding is really big for us,” Melius said, “so not going to remember the big wins or maybe the tough losses, but just the teammates that surround me and that were always there for me.”