Kayla Smart thrives in an organized world.
“I can’t go to bed unless my room’s clean,” said the senior defensive specialist on Glacier High School’s volleyball team. And while packing before each game, Smart folds her jerseys so that the numbers are always facing up.
It makes sense that a methodical, and a bit superstitious, mind would flourish on the volleyball court.
Senior year for Smart, however, has not been without changes.
“I didn’t pass before this year,” she said. Smart has played outside hitter the last three years, a position of attack. Smart’s new responsibilities are defense and passing.
The change has been “kind of a task,” said Smart. “I’m good at reading the ball and I like challenges.”
As team captain, Smart’s job also includes encouraging the team, on and off the court, something she believes it excels at.
“We’re really good at shaking things off and getting past it,” she said. “Keeping a positive attitude – if one person feels down, everyone starts to feel it.”
Smart is looking forward to this year’s first basketball season with seniors. She would like to continue playing volleyball in college, but has not yet committed to a school.