Iowa City West volleyball honors legacy of Caroline Found with annual 'Live Like Line' tournament (2024)

Eleven years after the tragic death of star volleyball player Caroline "Line" Found, the Iowa City WestTrojans continue to honor her legacy.

In 2011, Found was killedin a moped accident,days before she and the Women of Troy were set to start defending their 2010 state championship.

Since, West Highhas done several things to honor her memory, such as dedicating their 2011 state volleyball championship season to her, retiring her No. 9 jersey last year, and hosting an annual "Live Like Line"tournament, which was reprised Saturday.

In attendance for the tournament each year is Caroline's father, Dr. Ernie Found, who remains a consistent presence at school events throughout theyear.

"Caroline was someone who loved being with other people," Ernie Found said. "She loved helping other people succeed. She loved putting a smile on peoples' faces and that put a smile on her face."

During Saturday's all-day event, Westinvitedschools around the state to compete for the tournament championship.

More importantly, the tournament servedas an opportunity for people to come together to remember Found and the principles that helpedmake her such a remarkable person.

Trojans coachKeeley Arnold was one of the many people impacted by Found. She developed a close relationship with her family after playing on the same volleyball team as Found's older sister, Catherine.

Arnold said shehopedher team can embody the "Live Like Line"mentality.

"That saying is all about being kind in whatever you do and that you are putting other people first," Arnold said. "That is where we have to be today, because we have a lot of people playing in roles that they are not used to. So, we have to make sure that we have each other's backs and are playing like a team."

More: 2022 volleyball preview: Iowa City West believes it will turn heads with new-look starting lineup

Joining the Trojans tournament were nineschools, includinglocal teams Clear Creek Amana and Iowa CityLiberty.

Liberty's assistant coach, Scott Sanders, is no stranger to the Women of Troy as he served as an assistant coach from 2009-2016 before becominghead coach in 2017. He stepped down from that position in September 2020.

Sanders said it was bittersweet to be back on the courts of West High.

"This is a place where I have been for a while, so it is also kind of tough when I think back on the memories from that time," Sanders said."Found's passing was a horrible thing to be a part of, but it was amazing to see how everyone battled that season."

That sentiment was shared by ErnieFound, who said he misses his daughter every day, but is grateful for West High's dedication to keeping her memory alive.

"Carolineloved West High," he said. "It is a tribute to the schooland the community, because it shows that they recognize their students, which can be encouraging to other players to want to follow in those footsteps."

Most of the athletes in attendance Saturday did not have the chance to know Caroline Found personally, but there were many who exemplified her excellence on the court.

Here are a few local athletes who showedwhat it meant to "Live Like Line"on Saturday:

Jr. Melae'Lacy, West High

The Women of Troy had a difficult taskSaturday as they had to remake their lineup with their starting and backup setters out withailments.

That meantthe team was going to have to rely onveteran players to help ease the blow.

The player who may have done that the most was junior captainMelae'Lacy, the team's leader in kills.

Even with the inexperience at setter, Lacy was all around the court, providing quick offense for her team as well as uplifting her teammates at every turn.

Jr. Bliss Beck, Clear Creek Amana

When going against the Clippers, it has become a good rule of thumb to avoid hitting the ball to No. 6 if at all possible.

Thatis because Bliss Beck has carved out a reputation for being an impenetrable force along the volleyball net, making kills and blocks look easy whenever she leaves the ground.

More: Volleyball season preview: Clear Creek Amana has clear motivation, and the talent to make a run

So. Asta Hildebrand, Liberty

While those on the outside may not understand the importance of a setter, within the locker room they are seen as one of the most important players on the court.

That is the role that Asta Hildebrand has run valiantly throughout the course of the year. Entering Saturday's tournament, she was second in the state with 378 assists, routinely setting up her teammates to make big plays.

More: Top-ranked Iowa City Liberty volleyball shines in season-opening win over Prairie

Raven Moore covers high school sports for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. You can reach her at RSMoore@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Raven_XReport.