Born in the warmth of Mesa, Ariz., outside hitter Mary Allen, 17, moved to Kalispell this past summer to be with her father and four younger siblings, but when Allen speaks about volleyball, it is always in terms of her new family on the court.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” said Allen, a senior at Flathead High School. “I came in with an open mind. The competition level is right up there.”
What Allen said she found was a strong group of friends that made her transition to the valley easier.
“When we’re all working together, it’s the greatest thing,” she said. “They’re such fun and exciting girls.”
Allen said her strength is her passing, and she’s working on being more aggressive in her serves and digs, but what she tries most to bring to the game is energy and team support.
“I enjoy the intensity; the fight and the drive,” she said. “I’m competitive. I hate being beaten. I’ll do all I can to get that ball up in the air for my team.”
One of three team captains, Allen sees the virtue in keeping her team focused and positive during games. When asked what she does to keep the other girls motivated, again it is all about the team.
“Our coach is pushing us to take charge out there,” said Allen. “It’s keeping the energy level up and fighting for the next point. It is team motivating, not just coach motivating.”