BY MATT STUDENIC 

Usually the focus is on the upperclassmen, but this year Kacie Evans, 10, and David Chirumbole, 9, are taking over the spot light.

In her freshmen year, Evans became one of the few people to make the varsity volleyball team as a freshmen. To top it off, she not only played, but stayed, in a large number of games to end her first year.

Evans was recognized as one of the best players on the team and in the county. She received many awards and honors to cap off a great start to her career.

Going into her sophomore year, all eyes were on the freshman standout. She was awarded the captain’s spot as a sophomore at the beginning of the season.

“It feels great and I feel I have accomplished a lot, because I think we can have great success during the season,” said Evans, when being asked about her feelings on being such a young captain.

At the beginning of the season, she broke a record for the most kills in a game. The previous record was well short of what Evans accomplished: 32 kills in one single game.
She discussed the way she feels this year with the spotlight on her.

“I feel the pressure because I think we are going to be really good this year, but it motivates me to be better myself and as a teammate,” she explained.

As the season progresses and Evans earns more experience, she will continue to have success on the court, but can also acquire the skills to become a better teammate and leader.

David Chirumbole has a very similar story to what Evans has done throughout her career. Chirumbole started off on the right foot in his first game as a Grizzly. In the first soccer game against Akron-Garfield, he opened the scoring within 13 seconds.

Chirumbole did not spot with a star performance in one game. The following game was against Firestone, whose team was mostly composed of seniors. To start of the game, he stole the ball and netted an early goal to steal the win from the Falcons. Throughout twelve games, the freshman has scored nine goals, proving his accomplishment, even though he is the youngest player.

“I try not to put a lot of pressure on myself to score and I have to give credit to my teammates for assisting me in my goals,” Chirumbole said when asked about his success on the field.

The season may be close to over for the team, but the freshman will to continue to improve upon himself as a player and team leader.

Whether it is Evans on the court or Chirumbole on the field, they will continue to capture the attention of community members and colleges alike.