It is no easy feat to be on a varsity team, especially while doubling as a current Middle School student; however, eighth-grade setter Lila Klinzmann embraces this challenge while showcasing her talent. Currently, she competes as the only Middle School player on the Upper School’s varsity volleyball team.
Klinzmann is dedicated and loves being part of an Upper School team. When compared to her experiences playing on the Middle School team, Klinzmann notices no differences. “It’s nice that the girls just pulled me to the team,” she said. “They accept me, but I don’t think it’s different being the youngest, and it doesn’t affect me.” Klinzmann enjoys being able to play at a competitive level while being a part of a skilled team. “Everyone’s really good on the team and it’s fun playing at a higher level,” she said.
Senior outside co-captain Keira Sullivan feels that Klinzmann greatly contributes to the team and positively impacts the team dynamic. After Mckenzie Caruso ’22 graduated, the KO volleyball team had big shoes to fill: finding someone to take on after Caruso in the role of the setter. At the end of the year, the volleyball team invited a few Middle Schoolers to come play with the Upper School team to see what it would be like if they joined the team. Klinzmann proved herself during this practice, and the team was delighted to welcome her in the fall.
Sullivan has greatly enjoyed being able to get to know Klinzmann as a player and individual. “Throughout preseason, it was really great getting to play with her and seeing all the potential that she has,” Sullivan said. “For me, personally, since I started playing volleyball at around a similar age to her, it is so nice to see that she will be able to grow so much during her high school career, just like I have.”
As the season has started to truly pick up, Klinzmann has taken on this responsibility and shines as a player. “Over Labor Day weekend, there was a volleyball match and for someone who has never played on a varsity team before, Klinzmann really stepped up to the job,” Sullivan said. “It must be really intimidating to play on an Upper School team where all the girls are three of four years older than her, but she played amazing and is such a positive person and contribution to the team.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 7, KO scrimmaged Northwest Catholic, and yet again Klinzmann proved herself to be a huge asset to the team. “She continues to be a huge part of our tema and a huge impact player and such a positive individual,” Sullivan said.
Head Coach Scott McDonald thinks it is great having Klinzmann on the team as her skills add more to the team dynamic. Despite her age, she readily competes with older players and shares the same talent. “She brings a lot to the team, even as a very young player; she has great energy, she’s a good volleyball player, and she’s the future part of the team,” Coach McDonald said. “For us to be able to work with her as an eighth-grader is awesome, because she’s already a part of the program. It doesn’t matter that she’s in Middle School. She’s integrated into the team and as much part of the team as anybody else.”
Coach McDonald added that in all of his years of coaching volleyball, she’s only the second Middle School player he has coached at the varsity level. “We’re a sport that’s not as common anyways, because there aren’t as many young people playing volleyball, but I think that’s pretty impressive that she does, and it’s quite an accomplishment on her part that she was able to do that.” Klinzmann is a valuable member of the team, and the KO community is excited to watch her play throughout the volleyball season!
