2023-24 Pizza Hut Player Profile: Kalina Powell, Brockway
The YDL Sports Network is highlighting returning high school student-athletes this summer. The year in school listed next to the athlete’s name is the year the athlete is entering this fall. Player profiles are powered by Pizza Hut
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Full List of 2023 Player Profiles
KALINA POWELL – JUNIOR – BROCKWAY
Sports Played: Volleyball
Parents Names: Crystal Powell, Jason Powell
Siblings: None
Social Media Handles: N/A
2022-23 Highlights: First-team all-conference, third-team all-district in volleyball. Set school records for single-season aces with 54, single-season digs
with 340, and career digs of 664 and counting. I also led my club team in digs and was second in aces.
College Athletics plan if applicable: I do plan on playing on college and at this time I haven’t committed.
Q&A
Q: How did you get involved in playing sports?
A: Growing up both my parents coached volleyball. I started learning the basics starting around age 3. My dad and I would pass in the hallway of our house. We even got in trouble for breaking a few photo frames. As far back as I can remember I was in the gym with a volleyball. After my parents team practices ended we would stay after for a little bit and I’d get to practice my skills.
Q: What is the most enjoyable thing you have ever had happen to you on an athletic field?
A: This June my club team, Horseshoe 16 Red, competed in the AAU Girls Volleyball National Championships in Orlando. Prior to this, we won a qualifier tournament to earn a bid to this and I actually had tears of joy.
Q: If you could go to any event (it doesn’t have to be a sporting event) in the world, what would it be and why? *
A: I would want to go to the Volleyball On Water event in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This is a volleyball event where the court is floating on the Ljubljanica River. This event looks so much fun, but at night it gets even better when the court lights up! I love how when you make a diving save off the court for a ball you land in the river and have to swim back to the court.
Q: What teacher has had the most impact on you in school? Why?
A: This past year I took anatomy. My teacher Mrs. Volpe impacted me the most. Before this year the only thought about my college major was to be a veterinarian, but Mrs. Volpe opened my eyes to the medical world. It really intrigues me.
Q: Do you have any superstitions in any of the sports you play?
A: During the high school season, every match I wear a white ribbon in my hair. I have done this since my first varsity match my freshman year. It’s sort of my signature look.
Q: You have one day where you can do anything your heart desires. Cost is not a factor. What would it be?
A: I would go to the Maldives with my whole family and enjoy the beautiful beach.
Q: If you could go back in time, where would you go and why?
A: I would go back to the 1980’s because I love all the colors and dances.
Q: Is there anything you wish we would have asked you? If so, what is the question/answer?
A: What are your biggest motivators when it comes to playing sports? My biggest motivators are to shock and prove people wrong. A lot of people look at me and don’t expect me to be able to do much on the volleyball court. Their expressions after a match are priceless.
