Allie Walker’s hands have been all over the Rangeview volleyball team’s recent success.
Serving primarily as a setter, the four-year varsity player has helped raise the bar significantly for the Raiders, who won 19 matches a season ago and are off to a 6-2 start in 2012 under new coach Larry Deffenbaugh.
Walker has been doing her part, averaging a team-best 4.3 kills and 3.7 assists per set for Rangeview, while also serving as one of the team’s emotional leaders.
The 17-year-old carries a 3.934 GPA and is interested in a career in social services. Walker is undecided on which college she’ll attend.
What is your favorite high school memory, athletically or otherwise?
My favorite memory is walking into the Denver Coliseum for the boys state basketball tournament. Since we were the underdogs, it was awesome walking in and seeing some of the looks we got from other schools.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have to make to play your sport?
I take extra time to stay in shape, like lifting weights and running, so I can improve and sometimes that interferes with hanging out with friends. Also, club volleyball practices are always during basketball games, so I usually miss out on going to the games which I love to do.
What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you in sports or in life?
I was on a plane coming back from a tournament and a really nice older man sat next to me. As we were talking, one of the things he said was to “Live with no regrets because if you have regrets over something you did in the past, you didn’t learn from it.”
Are you a leader? If so, what do you think makes a good leader in yourself or others?
I consider myself a leader. One of the things that I try to do is keep the peace since we are girls and have a lot of drama. I also try to keep my role on the team in mind when I play and I try to do the same for my teammates.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions when it comes to your sport or in life in general?
I don’t have any superstitions, but I think that when I’m playing on the court, I have some habits like tapping my fingers before I set. I also wipe my shoes on my socks because during one of my first games freshman year, I slipped and fell.
If you listen to music before a game, what gets you most ready for competition?
I definitely listen to music before games. The two songs that my teammate, Amanda (Maestas), and I always listen to before playing is some Nicki Minaj and “2 reasons” by Trey Songz.
What’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t and why haven’t you?
I’ve always wanted to be a cheerleader, believe it or not. At the football games, I know every cheer and do it with them, just ask my friends. I didn’t do it because I never could do cartwheels, let alone back flips in the air.
If you could pick a person living or dead to spend a day with, who would it be and why?
I’d pick to be with my grandpa Walker because I never really got the chance to know him before he passed.
Other than sports, do you have another true passion in life and if so, what is it and why?
I love to bake! It’s a good way to pass the time and you always get a reward at the end when you’re finished.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
In 10 years, I would like to have a career in social services, have a family, and have traveled to Australia, which is one of my lifetime goals.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555