Osbourn Park Setter Breaks State Career-Assists Record

The moment Helen Theisen anticipated all summer had finally arrived -- the moment she dreamt about so many nights, the one that motivated her through fatigue and soreness. And though she had played it over many times in her head, when the moment came, she found herself overwhelmed as tears welled.

The Osbourn Park setter had little time to cry, though, after achieving a Virginia High School League record for career assists Wednesday during a win against Hylton. Her teammates ran onto the floor, encircling Theisen in a huddle. The crowd stood on its feet and roared, snapping photos and waving signs.

The match was stopped for nearly two minutes while Theisen soaked in the moment and received a commemorative game ball. It was her 1,586th career assist, which broke the record set in 2000 by Courtney Wilson of Albemarle.

Fighting back tears, Theisen rushed into the bleachers and embraced her parents, Doretta and Joe.

"This is . . ." Theisen said, pausing. "This is a big thing for me. This is my glory."

Theisen helped establish Osbourn Park as a consistent regional contender during the past three seasons with her deft setting and leadership. A three-year starter, Theisen also has set a state record for career attempts and has been the engine behind a Yellow Jackets team that has won the Cedar Run District title the past three years.

"She pretty much took over the entire program as a sophomore," Osbourn Park Coach Kate Southcott said. "Since then, it's been the Helen show for three years now."

Theisen entered the season with the record within grasp, and the thought of breaking it fueled her summer workouts. She joked that her younger sister, Joyce, had tired of talking about volleyball and the record.

The same topic has never lost steam with Theisen's teammates, the benefactors of so many flawless sets.

"If we mess up, it's normally our fault because she rarely has a bad set," said Osbourn Park middle hitter Carly Fleming, who hammered down Theisen's record-breaking assist during the third game against the Bulldogs. "She is amazing."

Theisen is such a talented setter that many opposing players have enlisted her services when putting together highlight tapes. Last week, Theisen set for Centreville outside hitter Alison Darling during a taped workout, perhaps helping Darling get noticed by college recruiters.

"She's been the best in this area since she started," Hylton Coach Mike Hanlin said.

On Wednesday, Theisen got the record to back that accolade. And as she stood in the corner of the Osbourn Park gymnasium, collecting hugs and well-wishes from fans, opponents and family members, Theisen knew her real-time moment was better than she had imagined.

"This is something I will never forget," she said.