Everett, Wash.
Published: Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Timeout with ...

Chantille Hallenbeck, senior, Granite Falls volleyball

 Chantille Hallenbeck dreams of becoming the next Miss Washington Teen USA, but in the meantime she's busy flinging her body across the volleyball court to spoil her foes' spikes.

The thrill-seeking Hallenbeck loves going for a dig, a defensive move in which a player uses one or both hands to bump a ball hit by an opponent and keep a rally going.

"I like playing in the back row because there's a lot of diving and more hustle (required)," she said. "If it's a good hitter, you really want to go for it. When you get a dig, it makes you feel good."

Coach's corner

Hallenbeck, a 5-foot-7 team co-captain, is a three-year varsity team member who makes a broad impact, Granite Falls coach Mark Neuman said. Hallenbeck's best skill is setting up teammates. "She is the best passer on the team," said Neuman, who added that Hallenbeck is unusually helpful and thoughtful.

What's your favorite sport to watch?

Besides volleyball, Hallenbeck has competed in soccer, track and field, basketball, softball, basketball and dance. But her favorite sport to watch in person or on TV is hockey. "It's something I've wanted to try before, but I'm not really good at skating," said Hallenbeck, who loves to watch the Everett Silvertips.

Future Miss Washington Teen?

Hallenbeck is preparing to compete in her first beauty pageant. She signed up for the Miss Washington Teen USA pageant (Nov. 9-11 in Bellevue). In addition to fulfilling her academic and sports commitments, the Honor Society member has been working out to get in top shape for the competition. "I've always wanted to do a beauty pageant," she said, "but sports have always kind of been in the way."

Determined to succeed

About six years ago Hallenbeck was diagnosed with dyslexia, a neurological learning disability that affects reading comprehension. "I have troubles reading (but) I don't think of it in a bad way," she said. "It kind of helps me because I try to be the best person I can be even though (reading) comes hard to me."

Hallenbeck said she refuses to use her disability as an excuse and hopes that she inspires others to make the most of their ability: "A lot of people that don't have learning disabilities slack off."

Dream job

Hallenbeck wants to attend Northwest Hair Academy in Everett and start a career in fashion. She fashion merchandising classes at Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center and hopes to merge her business knowledge with hands-on training. Maybe she'll follow in the footsteps of one of her idols, TV show host/model Tyra Banks.

By Mike Cane, Herald Writer
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA