Timeout with … Molly Burton
Published 11:14 am Tuesday, September 22, 2009
When Molly Burton makes a big play on the volleyball court, she REALLY enjoys it.
Little fist pumps and quick high-fives aren’t her style. Burton thoroughly celebrates, from head to toe.
“She just throws her shoulders and her hips back and (yells), ‘Yeah!’ It gets everyone else inspired,” Everett volleyball coach Heather McLeod said. “Everybody — the crowd, the bench — we all just can’t help but laugh and get excited.”
The Seagulls hope to see Burton’s energizing celebrations a lot this season. A middle blocker playing on Everett’s varsity team for the second straight year, Burton is a fun-loving team captain who likes the music of Taylor Swift and wants to become a special-education teacher.
Coach’s corner
One of just two middle blockers on Everett’s roster, Burton is important for several reasons. “I’m really turning to her for a lot of leadership in a lot of ways out there. She is a leader on and off the floor,” McLeod said.
Born to block
Burton’s height — she’s 5-foot-10 — makes her a natural blocker. She works hard to always be ready when her chance arrives. “There’s a lot of timing,” Burton said. “You have to get to the right spot if it’s going right side, middle or outside.”
Caring captain
What does Burton try to achieve as the team captain? “To me, it means being the go-to person for the other players on the team,” she said. “They can come talk to me about anything. It also means being the inspiration.” Before Everett’s first match this season, Burton baked brownies and gave them to teammates, attaching inspirational quotes to each treat.
Magic number
It’s a privilege to wear Everett’s No. 5 jersey, which Burton now wears proudly. Each year it is passed down to the team’s new starting middle blocker. Last year Kelli Wilner wore it. Before that, Lana Fingarson was No. 5. “I was really excited when I got it.,” Burton said.
Special service
In addition to teaching fifth-graders this past spring at a three-day wilderness camp, Burton volunteered the past two summers at Camp Prov, a one-week camp for special-needs children at Forest Park in Everett. She helped kids ages 3-4 learn motor skills. “It was really inspiring,” said Burton, who had such a great experience that she wants to become a special-education teacher.
Pure country
Burton loves country music. Taylor Swift is one of her favorite performers. What was Burton’s reaction when rapper Kanye West ruined Swift’s acceptance speech during the recent MTV Video Music Awards? “That was horrible,” Burton said. “I didn’t see it but I heard all about it.”
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
