Brock & Decker Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Karie + Nathan Smith
Siblings: Taylar, Aubree, Kylie, Makenna and Shiloh
Position or events: Outside hitter

Career Highlight:

White Out game home vs. DCE last year.

At what age did you start playing your main sport?

Age 9.

Who introduced you to the sport?

My sisters and my professional volleyball cousins.

Has this always been your favorite sport?

No, I loved gymnastics and swimming.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?

Freshman year, I felt like I had to be on the top of my game in school and the court, and now, senior year, I feel almost a sense of relief and I can just play my game and support my teammates.

What is your favorite part about this sport?

The atmosphere around the game and the competitiveness the game brings.

What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?

My parents and I have put so much time, energy and money into this sport and I believe that God gave me this talent for reason and to use it for his glory.

What would you say is your biggest asset?

My leadership on and off the court.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?

Getting to be coached by Coach Knecht and Coach Kaiser has truly been one of the greatest things, they truly are the best coaches and people and they know the game of volleyball so well. They have given me chance after chance that I never got and I can go to them about anything. They push me to be the best person and I am so grateful for them.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?

Looking back, it has been such a journey. All of the endless opportunities and challenges I had to face really shaped the person I am today. Moving to Marshfield was a big challenge for me but if I wasn’t here I truly don’t believe I would be playing college volleyball. I have matured in such a way that is going to set me up for so much success and I have had to push myself outside of comfort zones that younger me never thought I would do.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?

Coach Knecht and Coach Kaiser. Zaida Kolbeck, last year’s libero, is someone I’ll never forget. Zaida was my person and I grew so much as a passer getting to be in the back row with her. Zaida taught me so much and every practice pushed me to become better and better. If you know Zaida you know her personality and having her on the court I felt so relaxed and comfortable knowing she was there. Never failed to make people laugh and always had the best jokes to keep me going, she is someone I’m so beyond grateful to get to play with her.

Any hobbies outside of sports?

Traveling, hanging out with friends and family, coaching, babysitting/being around my nieces and nephews.

Favorite song?

Anything by Jason Aldean/ Ty Myers…really any country song.

Future plans?

Plan to attend UW-Platteville to play volleyball and major in health and human performance/ kinesiology.