Timeout with … Nicole Carroll, Lake Stevens volleyball
Published 12:01 am Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Natural ability is important, but volleyball player Nicole Carroll believes something else — a consistent work ethic — is the true key to success.
Carroll, a Lake Stevens High School senior, takes that approach in sports and academics.
“I’ve just always tried to put the extra effo
rt in and work outside of what you’re expected to do,” she said of her commitment to volleyball. “I think that that’s really important because sometimes it’s kind of like a classroom: If you just do what you’re supposed to do, you’ll (merely) learn what the curriculum is.”
But to actually be the best, Carroll added, you must go above and beyond.
The aspiring history teacher plays the libero position for Lake Stevens, which lost its season-opening match 3-2 last week against Glacier Peak. Tonight the youthful Vikings play another non-league match versus Mountlake Terrace.
Learn more about Carroll, a positive, reliable leader on and off the court.
Coach’s corner
Carroll’s most valuable skills are her work ethic and willingness to encourage her teammates, Lake Stevens volleyball coach Amy Wiklund said. In addition, the second-year varsity team member “is an excellent serve receive passer and has a killer jump serve,” said Wiklund.
Back-row leadership
As a libero, Carroll is a defensive specialist who takes charge for the Vikings in the back row. The co-captain is the team’s defensive leader and must pass the ball effectively. “You’re expected to be the best passer, but (also) to help your teammates and be confident in telling people if the ball is in or out,” Carroll said.
Out of her shell
Playing volleyball has been more than just good exercise for Carroll. It’s helped her become less timid. “I used to be a lot shier, but I think I’ve definitely broken out of that,” she said. “Especially with volleyball, I’ve learned to be more confident and outgoing.”
Run, jump, float
One of Carroll’s best weapons on the court is her jump float serve. It gives the ball a knuckleball-like movement that makes it difficult for opponents to receive. Although Carroll stands just 5-foot-3, her jump float is powerful. “It kind of gives you that extra strength and torque,” said Carroll. “You get on top of the ball.”
Team spirit
“It’s definitely cool to be a senior,” said Carroll, who enjoys the extra responsibility that comes with being one of the oldest players on the team. Her duties include more than playing hard and giving vocal encouragement. For example, early in Lake Stevens’ first match of the season the Vikings needed someone to lead team cheers. “I realized that’s my role now,” she said. “I have to think of all the cheers and I’ve got to keep everyone’s spirits up.”
On the ice
Carroll was a competitive figure skater for four years. She participated in several competitions and performed in a Theatre on Ice group that did holiday-themed shows like “The Nutcracker.” Carroll still skates for fun but stopped doing it competitively because it’s such an expensive, time-intensive sport.
Dream job
Carroll wants to attend Western Washington University and become a history teacher. She loves studying U.S. history, especially the Revolutionary War.
Magnificent mentor
Bruce Kelly, an English teacher at Lake Stevens High, has been an outstanding mentor for Carroll. Carroll took one of Kelly’s classes when she was a sophomore and continues to look to him for guidance. “He’s definitely one of the smartest teachers at this school,” Carroll said of Kelly, who previously taught at the University of Washington. “He’s helped me a lot with planning my future. He’s always making sure I’m doing the right stuff. I just respect him a lot.”
