Kinley Fickett is making her mark both in the classroom and on the court for Umatilla High School. That’s because Kinley carries a 4.9 GPA. She does so all while leading the Bulldogs volleyball team in kill shots with 162 and 37 aces this season. Umatilla volleyball currently stands 8-6.

Kinley began playing volleyball at age 10. She says the sport has become central to her identity.

“Volleyball has become so much of who I am,” Kinley says. “I love the friendships I have made with my teammates and I love how much it has taught me to push myself. Starting playing travel ball at such a young age I feel like helped me build confidence in myself and in the game.”

While Kinley may only be a sophomore she has made many memories so far. Her favorite came as a freshman when she earned a spot on the varsity roster.

“My favorite memory of volleyball was getting to make Varsity as a freshman,” she says. “I was on vacation with my family when I got the message that I had made it and I ran outside to tell everyone and it was a celebration! I was so excited!”

And Umatilla made the right decision there. Kinley has become one of Lake County’s top volleyball players. She credits her determination for her strong start this year.

“I think what has been key for me is determination,” she says. “When I put my mind to something I give it 100% effort and I feel like that has been a big part.”

She also highlighted the team’s close bonds.

“Our team is so much fun!! We love to cheer each other on and are all close on and off the court,” Kinley says. “It takes us all working together and supporting each other as a group to be successful.”

Kinley has been assisted by senior Aubrey Schnitz who leads the team in serves received. Junior Avaya Washington is approaching 100 kill shots while fellow sophomore Fynleigh Rodriguez leads the team in blocks.

Kinley says she has learned valuable lessons from the sport of volleyball and her coaches.

“Volleyball has taught me a lot in my life. It really has made me learn how to push myself to be better every day. It has tested me physically and mentally,” she says. “For the last 4 years I have played volleyball year round between school ball and then travel ball with Ocala Power United so it has definitely had its ups and downs and when the pressure becomes hard it has taught me to not give up. It has also taught me how important staying positive with your mindset and focused even when it gets difficult can help you learn to overcome challenges both on and off the court.”

Kinley also praised Coach Amanda McDade and Coach Mandi for their guidance.

“Coach McDade always pushes us to keep working hard even when things do not go our way,” Kinley says. “Coach Mandi has really pushed me to dig deep when I need it and keep pushing forward.”

Her parents, Ryan and Lauren Fickett, serve as her primary role models.

“My parents Ryan and Lauren Fickett. My mom and dad have always been my biggest cheerleaders,” she says. “They always encourage me to do my best and stay positive. I can always look up in those stands and hear them cheering loud! They have supported me and I always look up to their hard work that they put into our family everyday.”

One piece of advice has particularly resonated with her: “Work hard even when no one is watching.”

“That has stuck with me in many different aspects in life,” Kinley says. She has also embraced life at Umatilla High including all of its history and admin staff that make the small town school feel so special.

“I absolutely love Umatilla High school,” she says. “I was nervous coming here last year not knowing many people and felt right at home and was so happy I chose to come here for high school. I made a lot of great friends and my teachers have been amazing. Even our administration is awesome! They really want the best for you here at this school.”

Looking ahead, Kinley is enrolled in the Cambridge AICE program and aims to earn her AICE diploma before pursuing college studies in the medical field.

Photos provided by Umatilla High School Athletics and Lauren Fickett