Reilley Chapman
Lake City High School
Lake City High School senior Reilley Chapman has played competitive volleyball since she was 10 years old and softball since she was 8. And it is not just in the athletic arena where she excels; she also holds a 4.1 GPA.
Looking ahead to her future, Reilley said she has struggled with the decision of whether or not to play sports at the collegiate level.
“I have offers to attend different schools to play volleyball but have decided to focus on my career path and play sports for fun at the intramural level,” said Reilley. “Having to tell schools that were interested in me that I wouldn’t be playing for their program was difficult. I did not want to disappoint anyone, but I knew not playing was the right decision for me.”
Reilley will attend Gonzaga University next fall where she will major in business.
“I really want to run my own business one day. I am so driven to become a very successful businesswoman, and I think an education and degree from Gonzaga will put me on the right path,” said Reilley.
While Reilley said she loved all aspects of participating in both volleyball and softball, including the competition and being part of a team, she emphasizes that what she will miss most is playing alongside her best friends.
Being an athlete has taught Reilley many valuable lessons, but one thing that stands out the most is that she has learned to never take herself too seriously. “Once you do, your sport becomes more like a job and less like a fun ‘game’ you get to play with your friends,” she said.
Kelly Horning
Coeur d’Alene High School
When it comes to athletics, senior Kelly Horning is passionate. As both a volleyball and basketball player for the Vikings, she was named Newcomer of the Year for basketball her freshman year and made All League for volleyball both her sophomore and junior years.
“One of my absolute favorite things about volleyball is the competitiveness,” said Kelly. “A close second is the friendships you make. I love the girls on my teams. I’ve met some of the best people I know through sports.”
It is that passion that has motivated Kelly to continue her volleyball career at the collegiate level. Next fall Kelly will attend the University of Montana to further her volleyball and academic careers. “This is something that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time, and I really can’t wait,” said Kelly.
Although she is undecided on a career path, Kelly said some of the occupations she is interested in include chiropractic medicine or becoming a physical therapist.
Kelly shared that one of the biggest challenges she faced was earning her spot on the varsity team. “Coming in as a freshman on varsity, I just remember having to prove every day that I deserve and want to be there just as much as anyone else on the team. I had to push, and I think even mature, a little faster than the rest just to fit in and look like I should be on that team. All around though, I enjoyed the competition, and it made me a better volleyball player and all-around athlete.”
Looking back on her athletic career so far, Kelly said she has learned a very valuable life lesson. “You have to have a little bit of a competitive attitude to get through life.”
