Casey’s San Diego-based club team, Coast Volleyball, finished third at nationals this past summer.

“She’s a freshman, but you really forget that because her level of play is so high and her volleyball IQ is so high,” Wu said.

Wu and Casey have forged an excellent combination on the back line for the Crimson, and Wu often sets up Casey’s kills with defensive efforts to keep points alive.

“They’re a great combo,” Weiss said. “They’re both very aggressive and compatible. Christine has been the defensive player to set up Casey’s offense.”

The freshman attributes some of her personal success to Wu’s exceptional leadership and teamwork.

“I pass a lot, I serve, and I receive with Christine,” Casey said. “She keeps me calm in stressful situations and is a great mentor.”

And largely because of the help from Wu and her teammates, Casey has been able to put together a strong rookie season in her own right, consistently bolstering Harvard’s offensive efforts.

“She brings a lot of focused energy, and she really pushes everyone around her to work harder for every single point,” Wu said.