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Erin Borek doesn’t shout for attention. She doesn’t need to. Her game speaks loudly enough. 

The 5-foot, 5-inch-tall outside hitter and defensive specialist from Grand Rapids has quietly become one of Montcalm Community College’s most reliable leaders on the Centurions volleyball team this fall — a steadying force in a season defined by close matches, long road trips and a roster full of new faces.  

And while her stat line already reflects her impact — finishing last season second on the team in digs (237) and first in service aces (49) — her coaches and teammates say her value goes far beyond numbers. 

MCC head coach Kara Youngs calls her “a calm player,” someone who doesn’t flinch when the match tightens, which she admits is nice to have on the floor in those situations. 

“She has confidence in what she can do, and when the game is on the line she keeps calm under pressure,” Youngs said. “She’s clearly taken the reins as one of the true leaders of the team.” 

Borek’s defensive instincts have become one of MCC’s greatest assets. Youngs said her knack for digs comes from an ability to read hitters early – a skill Borek has carried with her since her days at Comstock Park High School, where she was an All‑Conference defensive player. 

“She has always seen the court well and reads the hitters well,” Youngs said. “That’s helped increase her digs because she can predict them coming sooner.” 

For Borek, digging is more than a skill — it’s a thrill. She is currently ranked second in the MCCAA for digs per set with 5.15. And for her, it is not a surprise. 

“Digging has always come naturally to me and it’s my favorite part of volleyball,” she said. “Nothing feels better than making a great dig and keeping the play alive.” 

One of Borek’s biggest lessons from last season was to stay grounded and block out the outside noise. That mindset carried into the offseason, where she spent hours in the gym improving her vertical and strength. Youngs said the biggest jump in her game has come in serve receive, an area Borek worked on heavily in the spring. 

Her expanded confidence shows. 

“Since last year, I’ve become more confident in my game,” Borek said. “I trust my skills more, make decisions with confidence and stay composed under pressure.” 

With nine freshmen joining the program this fall, Borek’s leadership has become essential. Youngs said she has become “the leader of the defense,” guiding the back row through tense moments and helping communication stay intact when matches get chaotic. 

“She really helps the back row in moments when communication is needed,” Youngs said. “A lot of players trust her defensive abilities and know she’s going to do whatever she can to save a ball.” 

Borek embraced that responsibility early, especially during two‑a‑days, when she and roommates Ella Bishop and Andie Bennett hosted team lunches between practices. 

“We bonded with the freshmen by spending a lot of time together,” Borek said. “The long stretch of road games also gave us more time together and strengthened our bond.” 

Last season, Borek stepped into a six‑rotation role as an outside hitter when injuries forced lineup changes. Her versatility made her invaluable then — and still does now. 

“This year she’s the trusted backup setter when our setter takes first ball,” Youngs said. “She helps continue our offense in those moments. She’s someone you can ‘set it and forget it’ because she’lldo her job.” 

So far this season, the Centurions have been competitive in nearly every match, but Borek believes the next step is simple: finish. 

“We need to finish the plays we create,” she said. “We have great defensive players, and now we just need to put the ball away and minimize errors.” 

Even in tight losses, she sees a team that refuses to fold. 

“What I like most about this year’s team is that we always put up a fight and never give up,” she said. “Even when we’re down, we’re capable of coming back and competing until the very end.” 

Youngs believes Borek has the tools to play, and even thrive, at a four-year school following graduation from MCC. 

“I think Erin has great chances to continue to a four‑year,” Youngs said. “She has a lot to give and will be a great addition to a lot of teams. Staying loud and leading every point in that libero position will help her reach that next level.” 

MCC has already sent one player to the NAIA level, where she’s now part of a nationally ranked program. Youngs sees Borek as the next in line. 

For Youngs, Borek’s honesty and communication have shaped her own growth as a coach. 

“Erin is vocal and honest when she speaks to you,” Youngs said. “We can have conversations that may not always be easy, but they’re respected. Building that trust with players like her has helped me grow as a coach.” 

If there’s one lesson Borek is carrying with her this season, it’s learning to release mistakes quickly. 

“To not hyperfocus on my mistakes,” she said. “Dwelling on them only makes things worse. I’ve learned to let them go and focus on making the next play.” 

For a team still finding its identity, Borek has become the anchor, the player who keeps her Centurions team composed when the match tightens and the pressure rises. 

As MCC pushes toward the heart of its schedule, the team continues to lean on the sophomore who never seems to take a play off — and never seems to lose her calm.