By: Evan Goldfarb’ 26
Senior Katie Reale has starred in both volleyball and basketball, excelling both on and off the court, making her the perfect choice for this month’s player of the moment.
Reale started playing volleyball in her sophomore year and has played varsity for two years since transferring to KO as a junior. Along with volleyball, she has been playing basketball since kindergarten, has played on AAU teams since fourth grade, and is committed to Wesleyan University.
Head Coach Joe Sobowicz about Reale leaned on Reale during the volleyball season: “I would describe Katie as hardworking, selfless, team first, and leads by example,” Coach Sobowicz said. “She is always early while being the last one to leave. She is the hardest worker in every drill, finishes sprints first, never complains, while also being the first one to pick a teammate up off the ground or be there for them if they are having a bad day.”
Reale had an excellent season for the Wyverns this fall with 125 kills and 54 blocks. But it’s the bonds she cherishes the most. “I love my teams and the community I have built from basketball and volleyball at Kingswood Oxford,” Reale said. “They made transferring into a new school easier because I was immediately surrounded by a group of girls sharing my competitiveness.”
When asking Coach Sobowicz what’s special about Reale, he had very high praise. “The best way I can describe Katie is in my 12 years of coaching basketball, volleyball, and golf, she would sit at a small table with the best athletes I have ever coached and one of my favorite players I have ever coached,” Coach Sobowicz said. “My favorite thing about Katie is that she is just a ‘gamer’ and a ‘culture setter.’ Someone who performs best when the lights are the brightest and gets the best out of her teammates. It is going to be really tough not having her in my practices and on the sidelines with me next year.”
As the volleyball season has come and gone, Reale is excited for this upcoming basketball season and has high hopes for the Wyverns this year. “I am expecting a great season this year from the basketball team!” said Reale. “I feel like we have significantly improved from last year. Our team this year is led by the three senior captains, who have set the tone for the season.”
We wish Reale and the rest of the team luck in this upcoming season!
