Out of the forty freshmen who tried out for this season’s varsity volleyball team, Shelby Knowles was the only one who made the cut to represent the Vikings as a freshman.

Even as the youngest player on the team, her talents prove to be at varsity level.

“Yes, she’s a freshman, but she has the tenacity and fearlessness of an upperclassman,” head coach Dave Winn said.

Knowles first became interested in volleyball because her mother played on the Stanford varsity team.

“I’ve been watching Stanford volleyball ever since I was little and because my mom played for the team,” Knowles said.

Knowles started her volleyball career in elementary school and hopes to continue the sport in the future. As a high school student, Knowles practices everyday from 5:30 p.m to 8 p.m.

“I knew I wouldn’t get it [setting the ball] right the first time,” Knowles said. “I knew I had to work for it.”

Knowles’s volleyball skills come from a lifetime of playing, and she is determined to show them off, according to her teammates.

“Shelby is a talented and dedicated player, but most of all, she has heart a true passion for the game,” sophomore Maddie Kuppe said about her teammate, “Before you get to know her, she seems like a shy, timid player, but on the court, she shows her true colors.”

As the youngest player on the team, Knowles is very determined to perfect her game.

“She has definitely brought her ‘A’ game for stepping up to the varsity level as a frosh and whenever our coaches give her feedback,” junior Trina Ohms said. “She tries to fix her mistakes right away, making her very coachable.”

The team finds Knowles to be a dedicated and persevering player who continues to improve.

“The girls love her because she always works so hard in practice and has great hands as a setter,” Winn said.

With high expectations in mind, Knowles continues to demonstrate her full capability on the court.

“We’ve been blessed to have very good kids come into our program and contribute as freshman, like Shelby,” Winn said. “I believe she’s got a very bright future ahead of her.”

It will take hard work, perseverance and teamwork to bring this year’s team success. Even though Knowles is a new member of the team, she has a bright future ahead of her. This year, the team is looking forward to a great season.

The Vikings will play their first home game against Castilleja at 6:45 p.m on Sept. 17 in the main gym.