Spotlight on #6: Kelsey Russell

Thus far, Kelsey Russell’s college experience has been like a roller coaster ride. As a freshman she was a pre-dental hygiene major and played volleyball and softball. Softball lasted through winter but didn’t stay on into the spring. “I kind of regret it now, because I love softball” Kelsey said. She stuck with volleyball for her first two years, where she didn’t see a lot of playing time. Her third year she played in one-too-many games before ending her season, ‘losing’ a year of eligibility. She switched majors her second year of college to Communication Studies. The next year she went back to dental hygiene and got accepted into the program her third year of college. She chose not to play last year and is back this year for her last finale.

She is currently in her fifth year, expecting to graduate winter term of 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, a Dispute Resolution Certificate and possibly a minor in Communication Studies. Getting into the program is one of her biggest accomplishments. Kelsey said that because it is so difficult to get into the program, it makes it such a huge accomplishment when you do.

Kelsey likes to keep good grades, thinking that she never knows where she’s going to end up. She may go on to get her Master’s in Dental Hygiene, and even being a dentist is not completely out of the question: “I feel like if the education is there, why not open yourself up to it?”

As far as volleyball goes, Kelsey’s biggest accomplishment is “being able to come back and play again. It’s kind of like being able to close a chapter of my life. I’m having a really great time playing. It’s awesome. I’m happy…I’m really happy with Angela…she was really honest and upfront with me [about being able to contribute to the team]. I’m really happy that I ended up doing it because it’s a good thing for me to be able to finish this.”

She started playing in seventh grade. Her parents suggested she try volleyball because she had been playing soccer and wasn’t into it. What’s funny is that Kelsey was a big tomboy growing up, and always though volleyball was a super girlie sport. But, as soon as she starting playing, it instantly became one of her favorites. The thing she loves best about volleyball is the intensity of it: “everyone gets so into the game on the court, and relationships you have with fellow players is nothing like you can ever imagine. Volleyball just seemed to fit for me. It’s just something I absolutely love to do.” She loves it so much that last year, while taking a break from playing, she coached the JV team at Klamath Union High School.

This year, Kelsey brings experience along with a calming, settling role to the team. She is one to encourage and keep the team on track and make sure their heads are held high. She has also stepped up her defense. She’s been working really hard on it all season and it’s paying off. Their team goal is to make it to nationals, with regionals in their sites at the moment. “In order to do that, we need to play each game, win each game, play our hardest each game, and practice as hard as we can. It’s kind of a day by day for us.” She says what makes the team successful is that they are always pushing each other to be better. Nobody’s position is guaranteed because there are one or two girls backing every position. This means competition non-stop, which leads to continual improvement.

Kelsey’s favorite memories with the team is going to dinner at night, hanging out, and having a ton of inside jokes. “They are a fun group of girls,” Kelsey said, “the people I’ve met here are amazing. I have the best time here.”

Kelsey plans to stay in Klamath Falls after she graduates, mainly because of the friendships she’s made. Her boyfriend lives in town and she has “made some really good friends that are here permanently--that work here. It seems to fit right.”

Kelsey is also “in a good spot in her life right now, as far as school, where I want to be and the person I’m becoming [she feels she has, and is still becoming a good person]. I feel like a couple years ago I wouldn’t have believed that I would be in the spot I am right now.” She’s headed in the direction she wants to be heading.

Kelsey has found that you can be happy with yourself, your life, and the people in it. Her word of advice to people is: “if you’re not happy in your life, make a change. There’s no need to be unhappy. There’s no reason to stick with something just because of money or because you feel comfortable. Always strive to be the happiest person. Be the best person you can be.”