Athlete Spotlight: Katelyn Whiteman

The Lookout Staff Writer Jayden Hewitt caught up with LCC volleyball player Katelyn Whiteman. A sophomore in her third year at LCC, Whiteman graduated from Holt High School in 2020.

When did you start playing volleyball?
“I started playing AAU volleyball when I was 10 years old and joined my first school team in seventh grade.”

What made you want to play volleyball when you started?
“I am the youngest of three kids. My older siblings were always active, so that made me want to play sports in general. My sister played volleyball and I spent a lot of time watching her and looking up to her, so that made me want to start volleyball specifically.”

Do you have any moments from high school or LCC that stick out to you in volleyball?
“A moment from high school volleyball that sticks out to me was when I was a freshman, playing on the same team as my sister, who was a senior. Our team ended up winning our conference and the district championship, which was super exciting.  Also a moment that sticks out to me from LCC volleyball was just recently, when we took third place in the Joliet tournament, because there was a lot of hard competition there and we played well.”

Do you have any pre-game routines?
“I do not really have any specific pregame rituals. I usually just listen to music on the bus ride before the game to get myself ready. But, I do always have to chew a piece of gum whenever I play in a game.”

Are there any goals you have set for yourself or the team for the rest of the season?
“Our team goal this year is to finish at the top of our conference, which I think is definitely do-able for us.”

What is your plan post-LCC?
“Right now my plan post LCC is to transfer to a four-year university, to pursue a degree in the literary field, because I am interesting in book publishing.”

Growing up, did you have anyone you looked up to, whether it be in volleyball, or life in general?
“As I said before, I have always looked up to my older sister, in volleyball as well as life in general. She has always been there to help me whenever I need (her), and she is always willing to give me pointers on my volleyball skills.”