Kelly Kaufmann, senior, set a career-record with 21 kills while taking 29 attempts against Holly Springs. Kaufmann plays Varsity for the Athens Drive Volleyball team. She has been awarded with the NCHSAA Performance of the Week Award. Each week people from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association competition choose two athletes to receive the award. While playing this sport volleyball, players use terms such as a kill means a serve or an attack that leads to an immediate point. Kaufmann is a middle hitter/blocker.

“I was extremely honored to receive performance of the week. Volleyball is such a team-oriented sport, so I truly couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” said Kaufmann.

Kaufmann looks forward to improving her athletic ability to do better during her games. Volleyball takes lots of preparation and training in order to become one of the elite players that go on to play professionally. After high school, Kaufmann plans on attending the University of New Hampshire. This gives her the opportunity to learn from her teammates, coach, and opponents in college. College is played at a faster and more competitive pace, which can help Kaufmann improve as a player.

“I look to become a faster, more powerful hitter with the ability to run many different hits on offense,” said Kaufmann.

At the end of the year Kaufmann is planning to attend a luncheon that other Performance of the Week recipients will be attending. This award has allowed her to meet people that have also received this award and Athens Drive has helped her develop into a talented volleyball player.

“Athens Drive has taught me how to be a better leader and teammate. Coach Bayer is helping us maximize our potential as an entire team by both challenging and encouraging us, whether that be during practice or a game,” said Kaufmann.

The University of New Hampshire is going to help Kaufmann. Overall, they are 12-5. They have a positive win/loss ratio at their home courts and they are 1-1 in their conference. This university has lots of great talent and it gives Kaufmann the opportunity to learn from her teammates and coaches.