Senior spotlight: Kaitlyn Brooks a force in the middle for Athens volleyball team

ATHENS - The Bluejays are coming off an appearance in the the WIAA Division 3 girls volleyball state semifinals, and the question is can they make a deep postseason run again. 

"I don't think there's pressure on us," Athens senior Kaitlyn Brooks said during practice Monday. "Even last year we went into every game just playing. We knew state was on the line but we were just there to play and have fun. (State) just came to us. That's the goal, obviously, for every team."

Brooks is one of the keys players for Athens if the Bluejays are going to reach the Resch Center again this fall. The Bluejays veteran middle blocker led Athens in both attacks and kills and was one of the top players in digs as well. She also was a unanimous selection to the all-Marawood Conference volleyball team for the North Division. 

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Brooks recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about some of her highlights and lowlights on the volleyball court, her pregame rituals and post-high school plans, among other topics. 

Do you have a nickname, or what do your friends and/or teammates call you?

Brooks or Brooksie because there are so many of us Kaitlyns out there. Brooksie is more fun but I answer to either one of them. 

What is your most memorable sports moment?

Last year at the sectional final (against Wittenberg-Birnamwood), there was a missed set and I came all the way from middle back to the front row to save (the play). It was just a moment that really fired me up and got me going.

What would you say your most embarrassing sports moment has been?

This has happened many times. Typically I get so excited (during a match) and I open my mouth to scream and my gum pops out and falls right to the floor. 

Do you have any pregame rituals?

Usually I have my hair exactly the same. I wear the same socks and spandex. I have to do the same warm-up every game.

Do you have any teammates you will especially miss this year?

Obviously I will miss them all. I say that every year because we create a bond.

You are one of the captains this year. What does that leadership role mean to you or how do you approach that role?

On the floor I will say (what the team) is doing wrong but I also will help (teammates) and boost their confidence. I think that is a major role of the captain. I am not afraid to tell people (on the court) what they need to do.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Zac Efron. 

What is your dream vacation?

Bora Bora

What is your dream career

I really want to work with people and help them. 

Do you know where you are going to go after graduation?

I am thinking (University of Wisconsin) Stevens Point. 

Do you know what you want to study?

Either dietetics or social work. 

KAITLYN BROOKS

School: Athens

Favorite sport: Volleyball

Favorite college or pro team: Wisconsin in part because my sister goes there. 

Favorite music: Depending on the day probably rap or country.

Favorite TV show: "Grey's Anatomy" and "Orange is the New Black"

Favorite movie: "Just Go with It"

Favorite meal: I have a very strict diet so anything that I can find that fits is good. 

Go-to snack: Fruit snacks.