Rising Star: Tstreet 2021 Middle Katelyn Smith

Some people just have a sport in their blood. Katelyn Smith, a 6-foot-0 middle blocker from Irvine, California, is part of a long line of elite volleyball players. Her father Scott and uncle Steve both played the sport in college and were members of the Canadian national team, and Steve played professionally in Belgium and Germany.
  
At 14, Katelyn is one of the top players in the class of 2021. This summer she traveled to Florida to attend the A1 High Performance camp.
 
With the help of Smith, Tstreet 14-Carson recently proved to the nation that it is the top team in the country, winning the 14 Open title at the 2017 USA Volleyball Junior National Championships in Minneapolis with a 10-1 record.
 
Katelyn not only has skill, but also heart. She plays with passion and love for game and her teammates. Personalized handshakes, positive energy, and monstrous kills are all things you can expect from this FloVolleyball Rising Star.

FloVolleyball caught up with Katelyn to learn more about her -- check out the interview below!

Katelyn Smith

Position: Middle Blocker
Height: 6-0
Hometown: Irvine, California
Club: Tstreet 14-1 Carson
Grad Year: 2021

How did you get into volleyball?

 
After years of playing a variety of other sports, my twin sister [Jessica] and I joined our first volleyball club at age 12. I think it was in our blood to play volleyball! My dad and his identical twin brother played in college and on the Canadian national team together. My uncle also played professionally in Belgium and Germany. My 16-year-old brother Ethan also plays.

What or who inspires you?

 
My dad inspires me. He was one of my coaches during my first two years and continues to help me train and improve. Also, hearing all of his fun and exciting past accomplishments motivates me to create my own amazing memories, like (winning) the 14U Open national championship!

What is your on-court personality like?

 
I think I’m very positive on the court. Every time one of my teammates gets a really good serve, dig, hit . . . I always go up to them and give them a big high five.

What are your pregame rituals?

 
Before every game, my teammates and I do our personalized handshakes -- we have a unique handshake with each of our teammates.

What volleyball goals you want to achieve in the future?

 
I’d love to compete and win more national championships both at the club and collegiate level.

What do you enjoy about being a middle?

 
I enjoy being a middle because I am always involved in the play. Whether I’m going up to block, hit, cover my teammates’ hits, or play defense, I enjoy every moment of it.

If you could play any other position, what would it be and why?

 
I would definitely play outside or right side because I love to hit!

What are your hobbies outside of volleyball?

 
I like to play sand volleyball, read, bake desserts, and hang out with my friends at the beach and pool.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?

 
Tough question! One: on a global level, I wish for world peace, ending hunger, and pollution. Two: on a smaller scale, I wish my team continued success through our club and college years, on and off the court. And, three: a lifetime supply of Lululemon clothing!

By Ebony Nwanebu