This is Makayla, a student-athlete and a sophomore at Renton High School who enjoys playing volleyball. She plays middle of varsity on the volleyball team and she plans to continue volleyball until her senior year. Makayla is important to interview because as a student-athlete at our school, it is important to know her experience. 

1. Do you enjoy being at Renton High School? 

Yes, the people and the community really make it feel like home. 

2. How has volleyball affected your life? 

Volleyball has affected my life by teaching me to be able to shake things off and to be a team player. 

3. What is the hardest part about having to shuffle volleyball with schoolwork? 

The hard part about shuffling schoolwork and volleyball is coming home late from the games and being unable to get homework done. But at the end of the day, we are students before athletes. 

4. Do you ever get overwhelmed by school and volleyball? 

Sometimes it can get stressful, but I know I can take all the stress and anger out on the court.

5. What is your biggest accomplishment as a volleyball player? 

My biggest accomplishment is going from JV freshman year to starting varsity sophomore year. 

6. What inspired you to start playing volleyball? 

My aunt, my sister, and my mom all inspired me to play volleyball because I wanted to show them that I would do what they did and maybe even better. 

7. How long have you been playing volleyball? 

I started playing volleyball in 6th grade. 

8. What is the best advice you’ve received about playing volleyball? 

The best advice I have learned playing volleyball was that volleyball is like a system. If you don’t play your part, the whole system fails and that would be selfish. My coach told me you never want to be selfish playing volleyball. 

9. What do you love most about volleyball?

I love the bonds I have made playing volleyball. I would have never thought I would get as close with these girls as I did and I’m happy I did, we are like sisters. 

10. What is the worst thing you’ve experienced playing volleyball? 

The worst thing I’ve experienced playing volleyball would be not playing to my full potential during games when I know I’ve done better at practice and of course the ankle and knee pains. 

Makayla is a hardworking student athlete and she continues to strive to be better as the years come.