Nikki Berta is in the midst of her favorite high school memory and she’s looking to make it even better.
The Cherokee Trail junior libero and her teammates qualified for the first Class 5A state volleyball tournament in program history, which the Cougars will take part in Nov. 9-10 at the Denver Coliseum.
Berta is a key defensive player for sixth-seeded Cherokee Trail (19-6), as she is second on the Cougars with an average of 2.5 digs per set and is fourth with 33 service aces for coach Terry Miller’s team.
With a 3.1 GPA, Berta is undecided on where she wants to go to college, but is in the process of making some unofficial visits.
What is your favorite high school memory, athletically or otherwise?
My entire high school volleyball season this year is my favorite memory. As a team, we have become so close. We are not just teammates, but we are like sisters and I couldn’t have had the same memories without all of them. Also, to be a part of the first team from Cherokee Trail High School to make it to the Class 5A state tournament is an honor.
What’s the biggest sacrifice you have to make to play your sport?
The biggest sacrifice I have made to play volleyball is giving up a part of my social life during high school. I play year-round with club and high school and with this comes a lot of time I choose to dedicate to the sport I love to play.
What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you in sports or in life?
Simply, never give up. I apply this not only to my sport, but to every area in my life. I think it is important as a person that you strive to always give it your all and that if you truly want to accomplish anything, everything is in your reach. Ambition is the key!
Are you a leader? If so, what do you think makes a good leader in yourself or others?
I define a leader as someone who sets themselves as an example for people to follow, a person who is ambitious and determined, who is competitively supportive of her teammates and I believe that I am that person.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions when it comes to your sport or in life in general?
I don’t really have any superstitions, but one thing that I always do when I am on the court before the other team serves is to go through a visualization process of what I want the ball to do before I make contact with it.
If you listen to music before a game, what gets you most ready for competition?
I absolutely love listening to music before a game. It gets me pumped up and excited to play. The genre that I usually listen to before I get on the court is Dubstep and Electronic Dance Music (EDM).
What’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t and why haven’t you?
I played a lot of sports when I was younger, but one that I have always wanted to play that I never tried was soccer. Between playing 2 different seasons in both volleyball and basketball along with softball in the summer, I didn’t have much time to fit in another sport.
If you could pick a person living or dead to spend a day with, who would it be and why?
It would be my Papa Joe (grandpa). He is so passionate about life, is hard working, dedicated to his family and faith and I love him so much. He is a true inspiration to me and who I aspire to be like.
Other than sports, do you have another true passion in life and if so, what is it and why?
I would have to say that volleyball is my really one true passion, but I also want to be the best person I can be. I think it is so important to enjoy life, do things for others and give back. Living life to the fullest would be my other passion.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself with a college degree, living in our beautiful state of Colorado and hopefully continuing to play volleyball or be able to coach the sport I love.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555
