LAUREL HILL — Laurel Hill Volleyball Coach Kent Zessin credits Rachel Welsh's strong work ethic as one of the reasons she will represent Okaloosa County in the Subway High School All-Star game. The event is 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at the University of West Florida Field House in Pensacola.
"The leadership she shows while playing the game, the work ethic and showing the results of hard work in the game simplifies how tough of a player she is," he said.
Welsh, a senior, is a libero for the Hoboes. The team's record is 15-8 and it is one of the sweet 16 1A teams in Florida. Here, we catch up with her:
What's the best part of playing volleyball?
I just have so much fun playing it; it's the best sport I ever played.
What's the worst part of playing volleyball?
I have to say when my friends get down; when we lose. I just want them to remember it's all about fun and playing together.
What do you think are the strong points of your game?
Positivity and just staying up when the score's down.
How are you preparing for the All-Star match?
Just practicing real hard.
How old were you when you started playing volleyball?
I was in the eighth grade, so that was 13.
Q: What other sports do you play?
I used to (play softball), but not anymore. Not as much as volleyball.
Why do you prefer volleyball over other sports?
I think I really picked up the game a lot better than I did softball. I was okay at softball. I wasn't the worst, but volleyball, I really love it.
Are you planning on playing at the college level?
That would be awesome, but I'm not expecting it.
Where would you like to go to college?
That's undecided right now.
What are your hobbies outside of volleyball?
I really like going to the beach, and I enjoy reading too.
What is your favorite movie?
I don't really have a favorite movie. I don't really watch movies. I'm more of a TV show kind of person.
What is your favorite music group?
I like all sorts of music.
North Okaloosa players joining Rachel Welsh on the East All-Stars team Nov. 17 in Pensacola are:
- Taylor Brunson and Whitley Taylor of Baker School
- Cailey Ness and Kierra Potts of Crestview High School
The East team includes students from Central, Choctawhatchee, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze, Jay, Milton, Navarre, Niceville, Pace and Rocky Bayou high schools. They will face West team players from Catholic, East Hill, Escambia, Northview, Pensacola Christian, Pensacola, Pine Forest, Tate, Washington and West Florida high schools.
North Okaloosa's volleyball All-Stars
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Welsh brings libero skills to All-Star game