While many teens struggle to balance schoolwork with after-school activities, Victoria Szarlej has found a way to thrive in both. As a dedicated student, Victoria maintains impressive grades, all while committing countless hours to playing volleyball and excelling in both academics and athletics, making her stand out as a role model for many. Victoria is a sophomore at KHS and has many unique hobbies, interests, and talents outside of school.
Victoria has proven her dedication to volleyball this year, balancing both school and volleyball club commitments with determination. As a key member of the varsity team, Victoria stepped up to the challenge of competing at a higher level, bringing focus and energy to every game. On top of her school season, Victoria also chose to join a club volleyball team at Garden State Elite Volleyball for the first time, showing her dedication to improving skills and gaining more knowledge and experience on the court.
“I was lucky to be part of a team filled with not only incredible athletes, but truly amazing people. It was such a great experience, one that taught me a lot and gave me memories I’ll never forget. What I will miss the most is the bond I shared with my team; they made every moment special,” said sophomore Victoria Szarlej
Victoria started playing volleyball in middle school. When high school came along, she decided to try out in her freshman year and ended up making the freshman team. However, from the duration of freshman year to the start of sophomore year, Victoria improved significantly and got the opportunity to play on the varsity team.
“Victoria brings a combination of poise, confidence, leadership, respect, and skill that makes her stand out as a teammate. She leads in her quiet way, earning the respect of her peers through her work ethic and calm demeanor,” said coach Stephanie Finke
Victoria’s position in volleyball is an outside hitter. Victoria started as a middle her freshman year, but then tried new areas around the court and eventually decided to be an outside. An outside hitter plays both defence and offense, ensuring no ball drops and can hit a ball hard enough in the court to score a point. On Victoria’s club team, she also plays an outside hitter and will continue to pursue that position.
“I transitioned to an outside hitter because my deeper hitting style did not fit as well in the middle position, and I am not the tallest player. I also enjoy playing all the way around and contributing on both offence and defence, which makes outside the perfect position for me,” said Szarlej.
Besides volleyball, Victoria is a very impressive student to the KHS alumni. This year, Victoria is in several honors classes, and she is taking 2 AP classes: AP biology and APUSH, all while playing a high level of volleyball.
“Victoria is an amazing person, she is extremely kind and has many talents, she is great at volleyball and is extremely impressive when it comes to her academics,” said Evangeline Phillip
All of Victoria’s friends describe her as an extremely fun, outgoing, and nice person. Victoria has much to offer, including her skills in volleyball, her academic skills, and her caring and kind personality.
“Victoria is a nice person and an even better teammate on the court, I am glad I get to play with her during the high school volleyball season,” said sophomore Hannah Kenyon.
