By Matt Browning
Volleyball season has officially begun and Hutchinson High School senior Kaia Smith is ready to step up as a leader and role model. In addition to being a leader for the team, Smith wants to continue improving as the season moves forward in skills such as passing. Smith has rotated to different hitting positions over the years and has found her spot this year as right side hitter. She wants to continue to keep working on getting more power in her swing
Smith has a goal this year to earn an AVCTL honor this season. Last season, Smith earned an Honorable Mention. Smith and her team want to have a better winning record than last year. A solid goal the team has set is to be the top competitor in the league. The team hopes to build solid team chemistry and make it to postseason competition.
Weekend tournaments are a highlight for Smith. In addition to playing volleyball, Smith gets to spend time with her friends and eat some yummy snacks. Tournaments are a good opportunity to play teams that are not normally played by Hutchinson, something Smith really enjoys.
Basketball is a main focus for Smith and she plays it year round, so after graduation in the spring, Smith plans to continue playing basketball in college. Although the process of deciding which college to sign with is still being decided, Smith plans on majoring in athletic training.
In addition to volleyball, Smith is involved in FCA, National Honor Society, choir, basketball, softball, and pickleball.
