For sophomore Katie Pyles, volleyball was just a hobby when she began playing in middle school. But that changed her freshman year of high school.
“I really got into it and loved it. I was in the gym and played everyday, and my coach said that I had the potential, so why not?” she said.
She played during all four years of high school in Heritage High School in Denver, Colorado. During her high school volleyball career, she earned titles such as Athlete of the Month, Outstanding Senior Female Athlete and Regional All-Star, and her senior season, Pyles averaged 8.3 assists per set. She was also a member of the Colorado Momentum Volleyball Club.
Pyles loved volleyball so much, she decided to leave Colorado to play college volleyball. Her dream became much easier once she found out she could get scholarships.
Pyles eventually chose NSU and is now majoring in graphic design. Her freshman year, she was a member of the SSC Fall Commissioner’s Honor Roll. She ranked seventh in the Sunshine State Conference in assists and 17th in aces. She was also second on the team with 23 service aces, third with 166 digs and fifth with 22 blocks.
Pyles hopes to pursue a career playing professional indoor volleyball overseas and, if that doesn’t work, her plan B is to play beach volleyball professionally.
I got the chance to sit down with Pyles and ask her a few questions.
What do you like about volleyball?
“I like that it’s different. You can play it with two people or six people, indoor or outdoor, on grass or on the beach. Technically anywhere.”
How do you describe yourself as a player?
“I’m very competitive. I always play with heart.”
What’s your most memorable moment?
“It was my first open tournament in beach volleyball, the MotherLode Volleyball Classic in Colorado. I was playing against professional Dana Camacho and I did really well against somebody I always looked up to. I will never forget that.”
Do you have any special rituals before games?
“I have to be sweating before we play.”
Who’s your favorite volleyball player?
“Karch Kiraly.”
Did anyone in your family play volleyball?
“My mom played volleyball in college but she was more into track.”
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
“I would say New Zealand. I’ve heard a lot of cool things about it.”
If you could play another sport at NSU, what would it be?
“Basketball.”
Who would play you in a movie based on your life?
“Jennifer Aniston.”
What was the time you were most proud of yourself?
“The summer I made the National Beach Team.”
Do you think practice is harder after losing?
“Personally, I don’t think so. It pushes me to do better for the next game and gives me motivation.”
What kind of impact does your coach have on the team?
“Enormous impact. She changed the entire system of how we play, how we stand and communicate with each other. Also the assistant coach works with us one-on-one. I’ve never had a coach that did that.”
