BY BRIAN GOSSET
X – @Gosset41
Piper Mickenheim let the DFW world know who she was with an incredible 2022 season. As a sophomore libero with Argyle, Mickenheim registered 937 digs and averaged 6.4 digs per set and 19.5 digs per match.
It was Argyle’s first season in Class 5A.
The Eagles won 32 games that season, finished fourth in district, upset 8-5A champ Midlothian in the first round and took district opponent and eventual 5A state champ Colleyville Heritage to five sets in the regional quarterfinals.
However, Mickenheim made a name for herself and helped Argyle put the team on the 5A map.
A year later and Argyle accomplished even bigger things.
The Eagles went 40-8 overall, won district with a 13-1 record and reached the regional final. They were a win away from the UIL state tournament after losing to Heritage in the 5A Region 1 final. But not a bad way to spend the past two seasons.
Mickenheim finished with 490 digs as she battled with some injuries to start the season. It gave her a different perspective and only motivated her to come back strong.
“I had never been sidelined before so it was a different and challenging point of view to the game,” she said. “All I could do was encourage my teammates that were playing and help them find ways to execute the ball in hopes to win the game. Watching the game gets me so eager to get back on court, so it was easy for me to play again – a bit fearful with the thought of possibly getting injured again, but that didn’t stop me from working hard to help my team achieve our goals for the preseason.”
Thanks to a strong sophomore season and a great finish as a junior – plus all her accomplishments with her club team Excel, colleges began to notice Mickenheim.
In the spring, she committed to play at Tulane.
She said everything about Tulane is perfect.
“From the ending of my first zoom call with the coaches to the flight home from my official visit, I knew Tulane was going to be my next home. Their campus is by far the most beautiful I’ve ever seen and every classroom, dining hall, and athletic facility is in easy access,” Mickenheim said. “Tulane also excels in the academic department. Along with the greatness of the school and town traditions, I absolutely adore the coaching staff and returning players.
“I felt so welcomed and known by every individual and it ultimately played a huge factor while making my final decision. These coaches pour their hearts out into each athlete and deeply care about each of their athletes. I know that my future is in good hands and that I can trust my future teammates and coaches with the next four years of my volleyball career.”
The senior volleyball star enters her final year with 1,624 career digs.
The 2,000 and 2,500 milestone are in sight.
“We have almost a brand new starting lineup coming up this season. The ideal goal for any volleyball team is the same – winning state. But we want more than just winning a state title. We want a season that we can cherish forever because we trusted, loved, and cared for one another,” Mickenheim said. “I feel that most teams have forgotten the importance of having fun while playing a game that requires grit, hard work, and dedication. You can easily balance having fun while also doing all of those things. It’s a matter of loving one another and creating a positive environment where everyone can fail and succeed in.”
Argyle opened the season with a 3-1 win over Justin Northwest on Aug. 13. Then the Eagles finished in second place at the Pearland Tournament.
