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Austin sophomore Quinn Osgood is no stranger to varsity sports, but she is starting to look like a different type of player.

After jumping on the varsity season as a middle schooler, the three-sport athlete has taken her game to new heights on the volleyball court.

Osgood has emerged as the team’s top hitter, while also proving to be a steady presence in the back row and the service line.

“You have to be a leader, because there are younger players looking up to you. You have to show them that anything is possible,” Osgood said. “There are always ways to get better, even when you think you’re at your best. There is no limit and you can always get better.”

With one regular season game and the playoffs remaining, Osgood is putting together one of the best statistical seasons for the Packers in a long time as she has 304 kills, 372 digs and 38 aces.

Last season, Osgood had just 98 kills and 80 digs on the season.

The last Austin volleyball player to surpass 200 kills in a season was Ashley Hawkshead, who had 219 kills in 2015. The  last Packer to tally 300 kills in a season was Rebekah Aase in 2008.

Although she stands at about five feet, six-inches tall, Osgood has found many ways to be an effective hitter. She’s not afraid to hit from mid-range and she’s learned to use angles to her benefit.

Austin head coach Nichelle Gabrielson, who coached against Osgood while coaching Rochester Century last season, has seen Osgood make the leap with her mind and her body this season.

“She has a great vertical jump and she’s getting smarter with her shots and ball placement. Last year when I was coaching against her, she just swung at the same spot every time,” Gabrielson said. “This year she’s getting better and seeing the whole court and finding the openings. She’s definitely more vocal on the court, she supports her teammates and she’s a go to player and she’s very much a team player.”

Osgood, who also plays basketball and softball for the Packers, is coming off a busy summer where she participated in all three sports and also worked on strength and conditioning. That work paid off and now Osgood has been able to enjoy playing just one sport at a time.

“It’s kind of relieving to get the summer off your chest, and focus on one sport at a time,” Osgood said. “I love being a three sport athlete. I’ve never gotten sick of any of them, and I do love having an escape, which is playing sports.”

If Osgood ever needs to lean on someone for support, she has her dad Jer Osgood in her corner. He’s always encouraged her, while also motivating her towards improvement.

“My dad pushes me to be the best I can be and he always helps me do more,” Osgood said.

Gabrielson actually played for Jer Osgood when she was an eighth grader in Austin. She also played on the last Packer volleyball team that had a winning record before this season.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Gabrielson said of her first year as head coach of the Packers. “This is one of the most fun seasons I’ve coached. They come in ready each day to work hard and get better.”

The Packers (17-12 overall) will begin Section 1AAA Tournament play next week. Osgood is hoping the Packers can finish with a playoff push.

“It’s been really fun (this year). We’ve had a lot of team bonding get togethers,” Osgood said. “Knowing this is the program’s best season that we’ve had in a long time, it makes us feel accomplished for all of the work we’ve all put in. People are starting to know that volleyball is becoming a better sport in Austin.”