Senior Kendall Blanzy steps into the gym. She sees the same wood floors, creaky bleachers and fluorescent lights. But there’s something missing. There is no volleyball net set up in the middle of the court. Kendall is not there to play volleyball this time. She’s there to play basketball.


“I decided to play basketball this year because it’s senior year and Ms. Hahn has been asking me to play,” Kendall said. “The other girls have also encouraged me to [try out].”

For the first time since sophomore year, Kendall is going out for the basketball team. If she makes it, she will be the only senior on the team until Lauren Cooke recovers from a torn ACL injury.

“I think she’ll be sad on senior night being the only senior,” Kendall’s brother, Michael, said. “But she can make new friends with a lot of people.”

Kendall has played Varsity volleyball for North for all four years of high school, but she only played basketball her sophomore year. Her volleyball skills could become a major asset to her on the basketball court, as a forward and center.

“I think the way they keep in shape for volleyball and her height will really help her with basketball,” junior Dianna Prost, who was on JV basketball with Kendall, said.

Kendall is looking forward to playing basketball for the Knights this year, but she will  have to adjust to a more physical type of game. Because she has played a non-contact sport for the majority of her life, besides sophomore year, she will have to re-alter her style of play for basketball.  

“I think the hardest part about playing basketball will be getting the aggressive edge,” Kendall said. “It’s also hard to shoot under pressure.”

Kendall’s family is very supportive of her. Kendall says she has a better time playing when she knows her parents and siblings are in the stands backing her up.

“I think she will be good at basketball because she’s so competitive,” basketball coach Dawn Hahn said. “She’s dedicated. Those are things you can’t teach an athlete.”

As one of two seniors on the team, Kendall hopes she can lead the girls well. Her four years on the Varsity volleyball team have taught her to be a leader and she’s looking forward to carrying her leadership experience onto the basketball court.  

“One goal I have for myself is to be a good role model for the other girls,” Kendall said. “I want them to know I’m in it for real.”