Kylie Pries began playing volleyball through a club program at the age of nine and felt a strong connection with the game.
Now a sophomore at JSerra Catholic High School, the two-year varsity starter and 6’2” middle blocker for the Lady Lions cherishes the many friendships she’s been able to develop through the sport.
“I think it’s a fun sport to play,” says the 15-year-old.
With commitments to both her high school and club teams, Pries feels there’s something unique about being a part of a team that represents her high school, where teammates are also classmates.
“I think it’s fun because we get to see how much we’ve accomplished and throughout the year,” says Pries of competing for JSerra.
On the flip side, Pries admits that competing for her spot on the team, especially coming in as a freshman to the varsity squad, has been challenging both mentally and physically. The process has brought about a new level of appreciation.
“I think I’ve learned to always appreciate what life gives me and not take anything for granted,” says Pries.
JSerra’s girls volleyball varsity head coach, Mike Murphy, has a long history of coaching Pries on club teams since she was in elementary school and appreciates the level of skill and professionalism she brings to the Lady Lions’ program.
“Kylie has terrific rhythm as an attacker which allows our setter to connect with her in and out of system,” says Murphy. “She’s definitely a go-to hitter for us, and we can often count on Kylie to hit .400 – .600 each match. She’s a standout teammate who has gained the respect of upperclassmen.”
Murphy states that Pries is also a member of JSerra’s varsity beach volleyball team, “JSand,” where she competes on the school’s top team.
Away from the sport, Pries is involved with her church family at Mariners Church Ocean Hills, where the San Juan Capistrano resident works with the children’s program as well as the church’s Vacation Bible School event held each summer.
Although just in her second year of high school, Pries already has plans for her future in the sport, as she recently committed to the University of San Diego (USD), where she will continue her volleyball career with the Toreros.
Having both a father and grandfather who saw success in sports, Pries views both of them as her role models and relies on them for support as they encourage her to do her best on and off the court. Her faith plays into that as well, as Pries knows God’s plan for her as an athlete and a person are paramount.
“I think God is with me,” says Pries, “and I trust that he knows what he’s doing with my volleyball career.”