Kyndra Abron
Churchill High, Livonia, Mich.
Year: Senior
Age: 16
Question: How did you get into volleyball?
Answer: I started playing my freshman year. For incoming ninth-graders, Coach (Mark) Grenier sent out these brochures about the team. A friend of mine played and we played in gym class and I thought it was fun. (After trying out) Coach Grenier said I could be really good and that I had a good future here, so I stuck with it.
Q: What other sports or activities are you interested in?
A: Volleyball is my main sport that I do and I play AAU for M-Juniors in the spring. I'm also doing track then. I throw and do the high jump.
Q: How does track and field compare to volleyball?
A: Track and field is a lot more laid back, while volleyball is a little flashier for me, because it's the sport I'm best at and the sport I like the most. I don't want to say that there's less pressure (in track) on me, but there is. I don't have to do it or anything, I just choose to.
Q: What little things do you do to prepare before a match?
A: Before I play, I usually have to deal with tendinitis, so I tend to ice a lot. I stretch, listen to my iPod a lot. I eat, but not too much. I might go to Subway, but keep it light. I try to stay calm and relaxed.
Q: What do you like/dislike about volleyball?
A: The thing I like the most is it's just fun to do, which is the reason I started playing. A lot of friends play and though it seems like I never get a break, I love to play it. It's hard to think of something I don't like, I love everything about it.
Q: Do you have a favorite book and/or movie?
A: I'm not much of a reader but I liked this book A Child Called It. I like a lot of movies. I like The Notebook and I also like Forrest Gump.
Q: What songs are on your iPod?
A: I listen to Two Step Remix by Unk and T-Pain. Bring 'Em Out by T.I., Halftime by the Ying Yang Twins.
Q: What made you decide on Michigan State?
A: It was the first place I visited, so I got kind of a measuring stick for all the other schools. It was also the best visit I had. I couldn't find anything wrong with it, not that there was anything wrong with the other schools. It just felt perfect for me. I felt like (Coach) Cathy (George) can make me the best player I can be in four years and I felt really comfortable with the girls there. I really trust everyone there.
Q: How do you balance volleyball and academics?
A: At times, it can be really hard. I have to work for it, but I have to stay focused. I do a lot of traveling and that can interfere with school, but I think I do pretty good with it. I try to do my homework at school, but usually I do it on planes and buses. I also get help from my teachers and friends.
Prep spotlight is a weekly feature that runs throughout the high school season on USA TODAY.com to recognize athletes in sports other than football, basketball and baseball. Athletes can be nominated by coaches or school officials at highschoolsports@usatoday.com. Please include name, school, location, sport and relevant statistics with your nomination.
