Siptak Leads Way for Flatonia Volleyball
Flatonia senior volleyball player Karli Siptak made huge contributions for the Lady Bulldogs in a recent comeback win in five sets after being down two sets to none against Schulenburg last week, stepping in to perform in all aspects of the game when it mattered most. Siptak has been a force on the hardwood all season long.
“Siptak is a big person,” said Flatonia head volleyball coach Kaylyn Stryk. “Her heart’s big, her mind’s big, and she expresses thoughts in a calming way, in my opinion, to her teammates. Not only is she a big impact that way, she’s big on the floor. She’s a go-to player on and off the court, during the game, at practice, and also the weight room. She busts it in the weight room and that makes impacts not just on the court, but throughout the whole school year. Through all the other programs that she’s involved in. She’s a player that I’m deeply going to miss every single day, so I want her to keep doing the things that she’s doing to make herself better, which makes her teammates better and makes the Flatonia Bulldogs better.”
Siptak carries a strong presence that is admired by her teammates and coaches. A presence that also pays huge dividends for success in volleyball games, making her our choice for this edition’s Player of the Week.
Question: What was it like coming back to win three straight sets over Schulenburg?
Answer: “It was a really awesome feeling. One of the best times I’ve had on the volleyball court. Just feeling the whole team come together is pretty awesome.”
Question: What’s the best part of your game?
Answer: “The best part of my game is definitely hitting. I’ve been working pretty hard on getting the back row down so I can help my team more and be on the court more, but it’s definitely hitting.”
Question: Do you play any other sports besides volleyball?
Answer: “Yes, I also play basketball. I just play basketball, volleyball, and cheer. I’m definitely not as good at basketball, but it’s still fun working with the team.”
Question: If you had to sing a karaoke song, which one would you choose?
Answer: “If I had to sing a karaoke song, I would choose ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’.”
Question: Do you have any pets? If not, what kind of pet would you like to have?
Answer: “Yes, I have lots of pets. I have a dog and cat, but I also show animals for the FFA and I have two pigs right now as well.”
Question: What’s your favorite food?
Answer: “My favorite food is probably pizza.”
Question: Where’s a place you like to go for rest and relaxation?
Answer: “For rest and relaxation, I like to go to my room, just have alone time, and lay in my bed.”
Question: If your teammates had to describe you, what do you think they would say?
Answer: “They would probably say that I’m pretty intense and loud. Hopefully they find it helpful most of the time.”
Question: What are your plans after high school?
Answer: “My plans are to attend Texas A&M University, hopefully, and major in financing.”
Question: How would you describe the culture of Flatonia volleyball?
Answer: “It is really awesome. I was just talking with the team last night. We were talking about how lucky we are to have such good team chemistry. We all love each other. There’s no drama. It’s pretty awesome.”
Siptak’s vocal leadership as a senior plays a huge role for the camaraderie of Flatonia volleyball.
Fayette Co. Record’s Athlete of the Week
A Weekly Feature by BRIAN PIERSON
Recent FCR’s Athlete of the Week
August 20: Hayden Splawn, La Grange football
August 27: Maddi Fritz, La Grange volleyball
Sept. 3: Mattie Konvicka, Fayetteville volleyball
Sept. 10: Fidel Venegas, Flatonia football
Sept. 17: Mallory Krause, RT-C volleyball
* As we begin a new year of county player of the week features, read about the new honorees in our Friday editions and then watch their interviews on our Facebook page a few days later.