Athlete of the Week: Katelyn Pulver, Lake Buena Vista volleyball

Katelyn Pulver played a dynamic role on the Lake Buena Vista volleyball team this year. The senior captain was well-rounded in the front row and played middle, outside and opposite hitter. 

Pulver finished the season averaging 3.8 kills per set and 94 total kills with a 0.330 hitting percentage. She led the team in all three statistics and was named the Player of the Game four times. In the post season, she earned the All-Metro Honors, an award given to top athletes in the area, for her contributions to the Vipers.

What do you enjoy most about volleyball? 

I enjoy the fast-paced, adrenaline-driven play that the game is all about. It’s so fun when you’re in the middle of a great play and you’re playing your hardest and you win the point.

When did you start volleyball, and why did you join? 

I started playing volleyball when I was about 8 years old. I don’t really remember why I started playing — just that my parents wanted me to play a sport and they both played in high school.

What is your biggest accomplishment in volleyball?

My biggest accomplishment is probably qualifying for nationals four times and being named to the All-Metro team twice. 

What has volleyball taught you? 

Volleyball has taught me how to work as a team with many types of people and how to change my mindset when things get rough. 

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

I would describe myself as a positive teammate. When people get great plays, I’m the first to cheer; and when we’re down, I’m trying to keep the team positive. 

What advice would you give someone who just joined volleyball? 

I would give the advice to decide why you love the sport early on, so that when something tests your resolve, you remember why you’re playing in the first place. 

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

I would most likely talk to my team about having the mindset that every ball is theirs. Having the mentality that you’re responsible for every ball can help communication and defense. 

What is your pre-game ritual?

My pre-game ritual is to listen to some hype music while stretching. In my opinion, I play best when I’m relaxed and singing some song I got stuck in my head, so listening to music before the game helps me get a good song stuck in my head to listen to. 

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why? 

I would probably pick basketball if I were to choose another sport. It’s a similar environment and adrenaline-filled sport with a team aspect. 

Who do you look up to the most?

Walt Disney, for pursuing his love of animation even with all of his setbacks. He and Roy created a very successful company, starting from very little. 

What is something new you would like to learn?

I would like to learn guitar. The guitar seems like a really cool instrument.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

If I didn’t live in Florida, I would probably live in Japan. The vibrancy of the atmosphere and technological advancements are so interesting to me.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? 

I would probably put it toward my education. I want to get a master’s, and six years of school is pretty expensive. I would probably also put it towards some vacations, like a trip to Disneyland, Paris or the aquariums that have whale sharks in Japan and China. 

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, because I love being able to see all of my family and have such great food. 

What future career do you want to have? 

I want to be a marine biotechnologist, working on ways to help health problems using untouched or undiscovered marine resources. 

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

I would be the first female marine biologist to win a Nobel prize. 

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

I would choose a giant panda, because I feel like I am very silly and cuddly. 

What is your perfect day? 

My perfect day is being able to go to Disney, specifically Magic Kingdom, and riding the rides and meeting characters. I would also go to Epcot for food during the festivals. 

What does 6-7 mean?

I’m not really sure, either, but it is fun to say. I think it started with a basketball player saying his height.