Determination leads Cordes to the top

Intensity and motivation carried Cady Cordes to become one of Northern Nevada’s best all-around athletes.

A three-sport standout, Cordes earned all-league recognition in volleyball, basketball and softball. In addition, the 5-foot-10 Churchill County High School graduate was named first-team all state in basketball.

As a result, Cordes is the LVN’s 2013 Prep Female Athlete of the Year.

In addition to Cordes’ on-field success, the Western Connecticut State University volleyball commit graduated near the top of her class. As a result, Cordes was named to the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association’s Top 10 student-athletes for 2012-13.

“I was proud to be able to work my way up, and become a senior leader,” she said.

Superb seasons

Cordes came into her senior season chasing a three-peat in softball and aiming to return to the state tournament in volleyball and basketball.

On the volleyball court, Cordes was a key cog in the Lady Wave’s front row attack. She tallied a team-high 45 total blocks and 96 kills, second-best on the team.

Rarely subbed out, Cordes was an all-around threat for Patty Daum’s club. Coming off a state tournament appearance in 2011, Cordes and her cohorts were primed for another run at a state title.

Fallon, though, stumbled in the regional tournament in a 3-1 loss to Dayton. Nevertheless, Cordes’ volleyball journey was not complete, as she continued playing with her Carson City-based club team, Silver State.

“We did the best we could,” Cordes said. “That was a difficult season because … I had to transition into a leader.”

On the basketball court, though, Cordes was the Lady Wave’s best player as she dominated opponents and was within one heartbreaking layup from the state tournament.

She led the club with 10.4 points per game, 9.3 rebounds (95 offensive boards) and three steals per game.

Cordes stamped her territory with ferocity and an occasional wayward elbow pulling down a rebound. Her presence in the low block gave the backcourt open jump shots and the ability to drive to the basket.

“I don’t think I started playing well until the halfway through the season because I had a lot of stuff going on in my life,” Cordes said.

The season, however, came to a crushing end with a 54-53 loss against Spring Creek in the Northern Division I-A playoffs. The Spartans hit a layup with seconds on the clock to dash the Lady Wave’s hopes of returning to the state tournament.

Weeks later, though, Cordes was back on the field aiming for a third consecutive state title with the softball program. Already with two championships under her belt, the three-peat was a driving force for Cordes.

“We knew coming in we were going to be a whole new team,” she said.

The Lady Wave graduated three critical players from the 2012 club, but returned a healthy dose of experience.

Cordes hit .333 with 20 runs, 18 RBIs and a home run for Bill Archer’s squad. The Lady Wave compiled a 26-13 record and found itself pitted against rival Fernley for the state title.

The Vaqueros, though, ended Fallon’s reign with a 14-13 win in the state final.

“We had fun and it was a blessing we went that far,” Cordes said. “But we definitely wish we could have gone all the way.”

Into the future

Cordes’ passion lies on the volleyball court. Diving, jumping, serving and blocking consumed her desire to continue the sport in college.

Juggling a full athletic schedule plus schoolwork, Cordes embarked on a weeklong East Coast trip and visited six colleges to find her match. Along the way, she found Danbury, CT and Western Connecticut State University. She met with the coaching staff, liked the campus and knew she had found her new home for the next four years.

“I want to go to college to play volleyball,” Cordes said. “Before you choose a college, you should visit it. That’s what sells you. I met the coach and I think he’ll be one of the best coaches I will have.”

On the academic side, Cordes plans to major in nursing and perhaps a minor in chemistry. Her fondness of nursing stems from years of battling with her younger twin brothers, Sean and Taylen.

Putting herself in a position to help others came from the sibling rivalry where she “may or may not” have inflicted battle wounds on her brothers. Once injured, Cordes was there to mend the physical wounds of the two, which has blossomed into another passion for her.

“I would have to make them stop crying before my mom came around,” she added. “I liked helping them and I’ve learned about the health bills. I want to see people get better.”