When Eisenhower senior Kelsey Repke was needed to step into a leadership role, it was a quick and natural transition.
"She's always had that leadership drive all along," said her father, Wayne. "It's just a matter of stepping out and taking that role."
Kelsey didn't move here until her middle school years, but didn't take long to fit in.
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Eisenhower senior Kelsey Repke
"She's one of those kids that can kind of fit in anywhere," said Wayne.
Eisenhower's volleyball team was rebuilding this year, entering a new conference, with a new coach, and Repke was switching positions.
No problem.
First-year coach Tina Edwards couldn't be more impressed with the way Kelsey has handled her role.
"She's taken a key role, obviously, being a leader, but she's also stepped up as a player with experience that has offered the girls a mentor," said Edwards. "They try harder, they play harder, when they play with her; they try to meet her standards."
She's really stepped up in every way possible.
It's made dad confident Kelsey will transition well into college and beyond.
"She's done it without us having to hound her about it," he said. "All she's had to do is the best she possibly could."
A little "Q & A" with Kelsey Repke:
Q: Who are your parents and siblings, and what sports do you play?
A: Wayne and Darlene Repke. Kiley, 20, Justin, 13.
Q: In what ways do you or can you lead out on the court, and how about off the court?
A: On the court, I stay positive and try and make sure everyone stays on top of their game. Off the court, I make sure everyone will be at practice and are ready for the games.
Q: Tell me about the small intricacies that you've learned make up each play that people don't always see, about yourself and teammates on the court in volleyball.
A: I believe that court awareness is one of the biggest things that can make a team go from being average, to above average. I also believe that all teams need to have good defense, everything starts with a pass. Another major part in having a good team is to have a team that gets along, a team that is like a family.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10, 20 and 50 years, and what will it take to get there?
A: In ten years I plan on being out of college with a bachelor's degree of some sort, with a steady job, and with a small family. After that, I plan on living a life to where I can help provide for my family and still be able to relax and go on vacations. I want to be able to travel all around the world.
Q: What are you involved in outside of sports?
A: Outside of sports I am included in National Honor Society, Student Council, Key Club, and Public Relations. In my free time, I try to spend as much time with my family and friends.
Q: What do you want to do after high school? College?
A: I plan on going to college for a four-year degree and play college volleyball. I am still undecided on where to attend and also what my major will be.
Q: What will you miss most about Eisenhower High School?
A: I will miss the atmosphere of everyone. Attending such a small school you really do know everyone and almost everything about them. We might not have the biggest variety of classes or the fanciest classrooms, but everyone at Eisenhower makes getting through high school a little bit easier.
Q: Do you consider yourself a leader; why or why not? How proud are you to know that no matter your answer your coaches and teammates consider you a leader?
A: I do consider myself a leader because as a captain I am the role model and I want people to see me as someone they can look up to and ask for help. I am proud that I have made a positive impact on my coaches and teammates, and I hope that after I graduate I can come back and help wherever I am needed.
Q: Who is your inspiration and why?
A: My inspiration is my Dad. I wouldn't be the leader I am if I didn't have him guiding the way. He has never missed a sports game, and I don't think he ever will. He has made me stick with things when I really didn't want to, and helped me when I wanted to give up. He is always making sure I have my grades up and also am ready for my games. He has always been there for me. I don't know what I'm going to do when I have to leave for college and not have him there!
Q: Tell me something not many know about you that you'd be willing to share.
A: Something that many people may not know about me is that I could shop every day if I could. If I married a millionaire, I would be set.
Q: Does living in a rural area make you want to spend your life raising a family in a rural area or run as fast as you can from it to a city? Could you see yourself living here?
A: I do enjoy living in a rural area, but when I start a family I would like to move closer to a city. I believe that moving closer to a city will give my children more room to experience many diverse things. I could see myself living here also, though, it is just not what I have planned.
Q: Tell me one question I forgot to ask, and then answer it.
A: What is one thing on the top of your bucket list? I have always wanted to travel to Jamaica. While I'm there I would have to swim with the dolphins, lie out on the white sandy beaches, try tons of Jamaican cuisine, and go snorkeling.