Freshman Katelin Sullivan Powering Flatonia’s Strong Volleyball Start

Flatonia freshman volleyball player Katelin Sullivan has come into her high school tenure already guns blazing. Sullivan is one of the team leaders in kills and assists on a Flatonia team that has started the season with a winning record.

“She’s been an integral part of our offense as a lefty,” said first-year Flatonia head volleyball coach Lauren Hoffman. “Also as a setter, she’s helped us out a lot. Being on the front row, she can play from the outside and the right side as a lefty. It’s just a huge advantage that we have on our offense.”

Sullivan’s heavy workload in more than one area has made her our selection for this edition’s Athlete of the Week.

Question: How has this team been able to produce wins to start the year?

Answer: “Well, at the beginning of the season, we definitely were not put together at all, but over the past seven weeks, we’ve definitely come together and bonded as a team, which has led us to several victories.”

Question: Which stat do you like better, kills or assists?

Answer: “I do like getting kills, but that is not possible without getting the assist of a setter, which is also not possible without a pass from one of our DS’s.”

Question: Being a freshman, what’s one thing that stands out to you about the high school scene?

Answer: “It is definitely a lot different than junior high. Everyone expects a lot more of you as you’re coming in. They’re not gonna baby you like you were in junior high. You’re pretty much grown up now and have to keep all your stuff in check.”

Question: What’s your strongest subject in school?

Answer: “Definitely math. I love algebra. This year, I’m in geometry. It’s a little bit harder, but I love math.”

Question: Who’s a senior on the team that’s helped you the most during your high school tenure?

See Answer: “Aubree (Mikulenka) is definitely so motivating. When I’m in my head, she makes sure she gets me back to where I’m supposed to be. Keeps me up and ready to go.”

Question: What do you usually eat for lunch at school?

Answer: “Normally, I have what’s in the cafeteria or sometimes my mom or dad will make me a sandwich and pack me a little lunch.”

Question: Who’s your all-time favorite athlete and why?

Answer: “I love Logan Lednicky from Texas A&M. She’s a right side, she plays all the way around, she’s also lefthanded like me, and I love seeing how she gets so excited on the court and can put the ball away any time.”

Question: If you could have any car, what would it be? Answer: “I haven’t really thought about cars. I’m just a freshman, so I’m not really there yet, but I would like to have a Tacoma. A little Tacoma truck, four door, when I get older so I can have my little stuff to go around in.”

Question: Who’s a family member you talk to the most? Answer: “I definitely talk to my mom and my brother a lot. My dad motivates me. He makes sure I’m pushing my limits, but my mom, she’s also always there to listen and my brother, he’ll always come up into my room and just talk to me whenever he wants to.”

Question: What are some of your goals as you start high school?

Answer: “I have three goals in life. I want to be six foot. My mom tells me that’s not a goal, but I’m really hoping. I wanted to play on varsity as a freshman, which I’ve completed that so far, and I would like to play a sport in college.”

Sullivan’s sharp knowledge of the game early in her career leads to success on the court for her and her Lady Bulldogs, putting Flatonia volleyball in good hands down the road.