VYPE: Why are you passionate about your sport?

Kaitlyn: I am passionate about volleyball because my dad taught me how to play it. My dad passed away on September 11, 2021 and I actually quit playing softball when it happened because he was the one who taught me how to play it as well. Yet, he left me with such a love for volleyball that I pour all my time into it. I am passionate for my family, especially my dad.

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade and why?

Kaitlyn: Dr. Fallis. He was my Pre-Ap English teacher my freshman year. He treated me like I was part of his family and always knew when I needed extra help due to my home life. I didn’t have any relatives in Florida, so he was like the grandpa that I wished I had.

VYPE: Who inspires you and why?

Kaitlyn: My mom. My mom inspires me because she has dealt with and overcome so many challenges. I look up to her because even when my sisters and I argue or our house is a mess, she is always patient and loving. I pray that when I become a mother my children look up to me as much as I look up to her.

VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation, where do you go and who do you take with you?

Kaitlyn: If I could pick any place to go for a vacation this summer is where I used to live with my dad, Panama City Beach, Florida. I would want to take my family and my boyfriend Joey. He grew up in Pryor and has shown me everything he remembers from when he was little and I would love to do the same for him where I grew up in Florida. It would also be nice to show him and my mom where me, my dad, and my little sister used to go.

VYPE: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?

Kaitlyn: Ephesians 4:2 – “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”

VYPE: When and how did you first get into playing your sport?

Kaitlyn: My oldest sisters, Korin and Ashley both played volleyball when I was really little and I loved watching them. My dad was a club coach so I got to see a lot of volleyball and go to practices. Once I was old enough, he coached my rec team, Zoom, and it lit the flame.

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?

Kaitlyn: One teammate, out of many, that has left a lasting impression on me is my little sister, Lilyan. Lily and I have never been apart since the day she was born. She is the best Pepper partner, sister, and best friend all in one. She will always be a huge part of why I am the way I am.

VYPE: What is your favorite part about representing your high school as an athlete?

Kaitlyn: My favorite part about representing Pryor as an athlete is being given the opportunity to do great things and spread good news to other teams. I enjoy making friends with opposing teams and talking to them about their interests. My favorite thing is when they tell their teammates “number 23 from Pryor is so nice”. It makes my heart full to be able to pour into others.

VYPE: What has been your favorite memory of playing?

Kaitlyn: My favorite memory, though it is sorta bad, is when I got a concussion from a door. During my junior year, after a game, I was coming back into the gym after putting equipment away and someone opened the metal gym door into the side of my face. It’s one of my favorites because after a while, everyone knew I was the girl that got beat up by a door. Even the front office ladies my senior year asked me about it.