Kelsey Bittinger is a junior physics major from Strongsville, Ohio, and is on the Kent State Volleyball team. We asked Kelsey about her favorite memories on the team, what she loves about volleyball and her advice for younger athletes!
Her Campus: What position are you?
Kelsey Bittinger: I’m an outside hitter. I play front and back row and hit from the left side when in the front row.
HC: What honors/awards have you received?
KB: I was team captain during the 2015-2016 seasons. In 2015 Kent State was Regular Season MAC Champions and we were All-Conference First Team. That same year I was the MAC Female Scholar-Athlete of the Week and in 2016 I was the MAC East Offensive Player of the Week.
HC: How long have you been playing volleyball?
KB: I started in fifth grade, so about nine or 10 years. I started playing competitively and playing club about six years ago.
HC: Why volleyball?
KB: It’s a very dynamic, team sport. I love all my teammates and have learned so much from playing and going through college with them. In this sport, something’s always happening and everyone is involved. Everyone has a role she’s depended upon to fill. I also love being able to embrace the competitiveness of the sport.
HC: Why volleyball at Kent?
KB: I absolutely love the campus and the people of Kent. The team and coaches really drew me in and I knew from the start that the program has the potential to do a lot of amazing things. Kent is a beautiful, developing campus and downtown is a great part of the experience.
HC: What has been your best experience playing for Kent?
KB: Winning a championship last year and being able to share it with my teammates and our staff.
HC: What has been the toughest challenge?
KB: Time management. When you’re a student athlete, there are a lot of obligations pulling you in different directions every day, but you have to focus on what’s most important. You really find out what matters most when you have such limited free time.
HC: What has volleyball taught you?
KB: Volleyball has taught me the meaning of discipline and hard work. You won’t get anywhere in collegiate athletics if you don’t put 100 percent into everything you do. It has also taught me the importance of teamwork, cooperation and conflict resolution. A team is a family and you have to be effective in communication to succeed.
HC: What is the best lesson you’ve learned from being an athlete?
KB: The most important thing I’ve learned is that you always work for your team. You can never do anything just for yourself. Everything you do and accomplish goes toward the accomplishments of the team and it is the only thing that matters, you have to stay selfless.
HC: What advice would you give to younger female athletes?
KB: Always stay confident, never doubt your abilities and aim higher. You have to stay positive and keep getting better. And always have fun!