MISHAWAKA — Successful. Dependable. Consistent. Dedicated.
There are a multitude of appropriate adjectives that could be used to try and sum up the prolific prep volleyball career of Marian High standout Katie Mischler.

Knights senior Rachel Gilman may have said it best about her teammate and the star senior leader of the state tournament-bound Knights.

"You can always rely and count on Katie," Gilman said at practice Tuesday. "She's just a great older influence with her knowledge of the sport. It's awesome to play with her."

Mischler has not left the court since the first match of her freshman year. She has guided the Knights to a 132-24 mark and four straight Class 3-A state finals appearances. No. 4 Marian (33-5), which plays No. 1 Yorktown (36-1) Saturday in a state semifinal matchup at Muncie, Ind., has been state runner-up the past three years.

"The thing about Katie is that her dedication to the sport has meant the most," said Marian coach Dan Anderson, who has coached Mischler since she was 11 years old. "She's always committed to do things right and do extra. I never have to worry about her.

"Her consistency is what you want from your setter. She's disciplined and (has) the instincts to do the right thing. As she plays, that's how we play as a team. She's like a coach on the floor."

Mischler, a 5-foot-10 senior, set a 5-1 offense the past three seasons. This year, she sets in a 6-2 attack, with junior Mollie Pajakowski, and she also hits.

Mischler leads the Knights in assists (566), while ranking third in kills (123) and fifth in digs (155). She holds school career records for games played, assists and aces.

"I've just tried to always work hard, be consistent and do my part for the team," Mischler said. "It's been great to be part of this program, and it's nice to know everything paid off."

Mischler headlines a strong senior group for a team that boasts a dynamic junior trio of Meredith Farkas, Allie Sailor and Pajakowski. Gilman and Megan McMahon are defensive specialists, while Stephanie Cukrowicz and Audrey DeGeyter are middle blockers.

The amazing thing is that this is the first year all five, including Mischler, have played together, and it's the first varsity season for Gilman, McMahon and DeGeyter.

"It's worked out well and been totally worth it," said Gilman of waiting for her chance. "It's been huge to have a big part in this season and be able to show my stuff. I'm so excited about Saturday. I never thought this would happen to me."

Mischler is much more than just your typical athlete. She is the consummate student-athlete. Mischler ranks first in her class with a 4.57 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), is class valedictorian, treasurer of National Honor Society and a member of Junior Civitans.

"My family (parents Karen and Dave) set a good example for me," said Mischler of her excellence in all areas. "It's a lot of self-motivation, time management and knowing what you want in the future."

Mischler, who is still undecided on a college, is motivated to finally claim a state championship.

"I really want to get it done this year," Mischler said. "All have been great years, but I remember the disappointment of losing in the finals. That motivates me to do my best."

Marian will first have to upset a nationally ranked Yorktown team just to get into the finals.

"This team has a lot of fire, and being the underdog can help you," said Mischler. "We're motivated to prove everyone wrong."

Add determined to the list.