Recently Tara Jackson had the opportunity to interview Bellefonte Area Student Athlete, Keira Clarkson.  Keira is a Senior this year and plays volleyball. 

HS: How long have you played the current sports you are in?

KC: I have played volleyball since 7th grade when it was Bellefonte’s first ever volleyball team for the middle school

HS: What is one piece of advice you would give to young athletes?

KC: Some advice I give to young athletes is don’t be set in one position, the best athletes are the most versatile players!

HS: Who is someone you look up to?

KC: Someone I look up to is my mom. My mom pushes me to be the best person and athlete. As a widow mom it’s not easy having 3 kids, me, my brother, and older sister, are all very smart kids and she did a really good job.

HS: What are your goals for the upcoming season?

KC: My goals for this upcoming season is to have a really good attitude on and off the court, and continue to be very flexible on the court for my coach where I am needed!

HS: What do you enjoy doing outside of sports?

KC: Outside of sports I really enjoy staying active still. I love to ski and go on a hike with my dog and family. I also love spending time with my friends.

HS: What are your plans after high school?

KC: After high school I am very excited to continue my Dental career at Penn College playing volleyball and going into the Dental Hygiene program.

HS: Is there a coach or teammate who has gone above and beyond and pushed you when you wanted to give up?

KC: A coach that has gone above and beyond with their coaching and skills to push me even when I felt like giving up is my school ball coach Monica Smith. She has shown me that I can learn any position and has pushed me to be that athlete to help the team where they need someone the most. Monica also cares so much about the girls mental health not just on the court but off the court too, all of us girls feel comfortable talking to her about anything.

HS: What is one of your weaknesses as an athlete? What is one of your strengths as an athlete?

KC: One of my strengths as a volleyball player is my communication skills on the court. I am always talking with my setter about what a good ball for me might be. I encourage my teammates and even help younger girls learn the sport too. 

A weakness I am working on is staying mentally strong under pressure. Sometimes, I find myself getting into my head and overthink the smallest mistakes. 

HS: Do you ever feel overwhelmed balancing academics and sports?  What things do you do to balance the two?

KC: I actually find myself doing very well at balancing my academics and sports. I find that I do better in school when playing a sport. Playing volleyball pushes you to keep your grades up to be academically eligible to play volleyball. 

HS:How do you prepare yourself for a game?

KC:Before a game I prepare by taking a few minutes to mentally let my mind just focus on the game. If anything is going on outside volleyball I shut it down and have a positive attitude. 

HS: What strategies do you use to stay motivated during tough times?

KC: Great question—especially for an athlete like me. Staying motivated during tough times takes mental strength and self-awareness.

Instead of focusing only on big outcomes (like winning a tournament), set small, daily or weekly goals. and what you say to yourself matters. Replace negative thoughts with positive, truthful ones.