At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Randall Deutscher III doesn’t just play above the net, he controls it. Playing middle hitter and opposite for Chesterton High School’s boys volleyball team, Deutscher has become the backbone of both the offense and defense. With a .437 hitting percentage, the best in the state, he’s nearly automatic when it comes to scoring, but his impact goes way beyond the numbers.

Deutscher didn’t get here by accident. “It’s about putting in the time off the court to be disciplined enough to get where I am,” he said. That discipline showed in a straight-set win over Boone Grove, a tough opponent, early this season. “After that game, I realized we could go on and be really great this year,” he said.

But this team isn’t just about talent. “It’s our chemistry,” Deutscher explained. “Everyone has known each other for a few years, and we communicate without even talking. That really helps in games.” As a senior, he’s stepped up as a leader, motivating teammates and helping them play their best.

Chesterton Boys’ Volleyball is currently ranked #1 in Indiana, and that kind of expectation could get overwhelming, but not for Deutscher and his teammates. “We tune out the ranking and play like we’re the worst team in the state,” he said. Instead of pressure, the undefeated record pushes the team to stay focused. And if he makes a rare mistake? “You just forget about it. Volleyball is a one-possession game; every point is a new opportunity.”

Off the court, Deutscher shows a different side of himself; he likes to paint, something most people wouldn’t expect from this volleyball star. His mindset on the court mirrors his approach to life: thoughtful, optimistic, and always looking to improve. “Success isn’t always about winning or being the best,” he said. “It’s about how you grow and get better as a person.”

Next up, Deutscher will take his game to Trine University in Angola. Looking back on this season, he said, “When it ends, what will make it feel successful—no matter the record—is knowing everyone had a good time and got better.”

For Chesterton fans, teammates, and coaches, one thing is clear: with Deutscher at the net, this season isn’t just about wins, it’s about leadership, skill, and a player who truly controls the game. Just about the only thing the volleyball star can’t control? The stickiness of his knee tape. “Taking the tape off my knees pulls out all of my leg hair,” he said with a smile.