when her coach is asked what he needs from a middle hitter, he doesn't hesitate.
" Confidence and aggression."
That's just what Kim Cleary brings to the court.
It's also how she attacks her class work.
This year she's loaded a schedule that gives her 2 study halls....a week.
Kim says, " It's my last year, and I want to be here. Next year is going to be so different, and I like being here, and the classes aren't too bad. I have one AP class, but for the most part they're fun and I still get to learn."
She has reason to be confident as a national honor's society member carrying an "A" average.
And she's just as confident on the volleyball court.
This year with an added responsibility, that of senior leader and one that's expected to help teach her young teammates.
" I try not to sound mean to them, but I want them to listen to me. I get to help the girls. I'm a leader on the team and they look up to me. And it's just a good experience. I know college volleyball is going to be a lot different too.
I've seen her take more of a leadership role. She's been taking more of the responsibility that a senior player would. She's grown so much from last year. Not only as an athlete and a person, just all around. She's doing everything that is required or asked of her by her teammates and by me."
Kim says she plans on studying nursing in college, wanting a career where she can help people. She's got a head start with a full academic schedule and working to help her Wildcats team.
It's why she's this week's academic all star.