Del Duduit, Southern Ohio Today
The thrill of the kill is what Carli Knight loves.
The five-foot eight-inch tall senior volleyball player at Waverly High School is ready for her final season as a Tiger and is preparing to go to the next level.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
“Several colleges are looking and talking to Carli right now,” said Nancy Terry, head volleyball coach at Waverly. “She will definitely play at the college level.”
Knight is on track to reach the 1,000-kill milestone at Waverly, if the season is permitted.
She has averaged about 300 kills the past two seasons and has 775 over three years.
“I just love that feeling of cramming the ball down their throats,” Knight said with a laugh. “I love the control over the court and talking to my team.”
Those characteristics is why she was voted team captain as a junior. Knight has earned First-Team All-Southeast District honors the past two seasons and named First-Team All-Southern Ohio Conference all three seasons.
“Carli is a leader,” Terry said. “She involves everyone and gets her teammates fired up and takes charge.”
Knight saw action as a freshman and has been a full-time starter on the varsity squad since her sophomore season. She also plays basketball and runs track and will be a cheerleader for the first time in her high school career.
But her passion is volleyball.
“My family is athletic, but I love volleyball in general the most,” Knight said.
Her work ethic has paid off and her talent has improved.
“There is nothing she can’t do on the court,” Terry said. “It’s been amazing to watch her grow over the years. She is an excellent passer, awesome server and loves to make the kill.”
Those are the reasons she is being recruited to play the sport she loves. Combined with a 3.85 GPA and a member of the National Honor Society, she is a complete prospect.
Knight said she receives about three calls per week from college coaches about playing volleyball.
“It’s kind of overwhelming to get all this attention,” she added. “But I’d rather be overwhelmed than not getting any looks.”
For now, the school year and season is on schedule, but officials are taking precautions with the Coronavirus pandemic. Things could change in an instant.
“I’m excited for the season to start,” she added. “I don’t know what I’ll do if it’s canceled. Probably cry. I just want to play. I don’t care if there are any fans, I just want to play.”
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