By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
Becoming Miss Volleyball in Michigan was never anything that Katherine Carlson ever aspired to achieve.
As a sophomore she was honored as one of the top volleyball players in the nation. Then as a junior, she continued her improvement and was arguably the best player in the state.
On Monday it was made official and Carlson received the highest volleyball honor when she was named the winner of the 2014 Miss Volleyball award, given by the state’s volleyball coaches and The Detroit Free Press.
The Notre Dame outside hitter, who lives in Lake Orion with dad, Don, mom, Tanya and brother, Andrew, won the honor over some very good players. But, as is her nature, she deferred to her teammates and coaches for helping her.
‘This was never a goal for her,? mother Tanya said, of winning the award. ‘She always says it’s about the team.?
‘It means a lot to me. It is a great honor and I think a lot of girls deserve this award,? Carlson said. ‘It is a team award. I want to thank my team and my coaches for pushing me all these years and helping this happen. I wanted to give this award to them.?
The honor came on Monday when Carlson was taken into the school’s gym by her mother. She was not aware of what was going on.
Her coach, Betty Wroubel, told her she won the honor and the gymnasium erupted in cheers and tears from Carlson, her family and teammates.
‘So many people have come up to us and told us that it is so nice when a good kid gets recognized,? Tanya Carlson said.
Katherine is a special student, person and volleyball player, Wroubel said.
‘I cannot imagine a more deserving player than Katherine. Her skill is one thing but her love and passion, not only for the game but her teammates sets Katherine above any athlete that I have known or coached. In addition to being a great player and teammate Katherine is also an excellent student and is involved in her community.??
Katherine carries a 4.37 grade-point average and has committed next year to Valparaiso University.
She was recruited by many large schools and could have gone to anywhere but her mom said she chose Valparaiso because of its family atmosphere.
‘It is a very good fit. The school has a strong academic program and is a great family community. It is just a perfect fit for her,? Tanya said.
‘It is such a great honor and she is really humbled by it. She just loves the game and her teammates.?
Notre Dame and Carlson will continue in their quest for a perfect companion to the Miss Volleyball title. ? a state title ? when they compete this week in the state quarterfinals. They are the defending state Class B champions.