THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 11, 1995 TAG: 9510110555
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
Katie MacPhail has been coming on strong for Western Branch for three years. This season, she has become virtually unstopable.
MacPhail, a senior middle hitter, has been formidable at the net. This week, she paced the undefeated Bruins to a 15-6, 15-1 victory over Southeastern District rival Great Bridge with 10 kills, six blocks and five aces. This season, she has 72 kills, 63 blocks and 38 aces.
For the past six years, MacPhail has been honing her skills in school and Junior Olympic competitions. She started playing volleyball because her mother was a friend of her middle school volleyball coach. She immediately fell in love with playing.
``I like how it's so intense,'' she said.
When she entered high school, she joined coach Jim Stanko's traditionally powerful Bruins squad. Stanko said MacPhail has made huge strides.
``She's made a tremendous improvement over last year,'' MacPhail said. ``She has improved 100 percent, especially on her lateral movement and her jumping ability.''
After spending the summer playing for the Junior Olympic Coastal Virginia Shark Attacks and in the weight room, MacPhail was mentally and physically prepared for the challenges Western Branch faces.
``The stronger you are, the better you'll be,'' MacPhail said. ``The better condition you're in, the quicker you'll be. I think it's very important.''
Therefore, MacPhail endured 6 a.m. prep practices every other day this summer and went to the gym to ``play around.''
As a senior, she is pressed into a leadership role on and off the court. Although Western Branch generally dominates opponents, MacPhail must help keep the team pumped up and focused.
``It's hard to keep up our level of play,'' she said. ``We just have to practice hard and work to keep our level and intensity.''
Once again, her Junior Olympic experience comes into play.
``Instead of playing some weak teams and some tough teams, you're always playing tough teams,'' MacPhail said. ``It's good experience.''
Although her goal is to win the state title, MacPhail is also striving to have the best serving percentage on the team and to earn All-State honors. Whether she wins it all or not, MacPhail already is having the best season of her career. And having the time of her life.
``We're all friends and know each other really well, so we like each other and really get along,'' she said. by CNB