VYPE: Alyssa, what grade are you in this year and what position did you play on the volleyball team?
Alyssa Knapper: I’m a senior in high school. I play on the right side, and I started playing volleyball for Coweta in my 7th grade year.
VYPE: What’s your favorite memory while competing for CHS?
AK: My favorite memory with my team is when we went to Branson last year as a team, over the summer, and we just hung out, played Mario Kart together, and had pool tournaments! I really loved getting to spend time with my team and getting to know everyone at a deeper level.
VYPE: Do you have a favorite class?
AK: Though art might not be considered a subject of study, I love the class and the ability to learn new techniques to create pieces that show who I am and can represent meaningful things in my perspective.
VYPE: What makes being a student-athlete at CHS great for you?
AK: The Coweta community is very tight-knit and is definitely a pro to going to this school. Every teacher is willing to work with you if you have an obligation to athletics, whether that’s a game or just needing to talk to your coach. Going to Coweta has allowed me to build skills, whether that’s on the court or in the classroom.
VYPE: Which teammate has left an impression on you?
AK: A teammate of mine who continues to make an impact on my life is Mya Littledave. She has helped me become the person I am. She is always there to help if you’re struggling with something on the court or having a tough time with a personal matter. Mya is a shoulder to lean on and lends her strength to others. She always has advice that helps in any situation, no matter how big or small. She inspires me to be the best I can be and push myself to accomplish my goals. I can trust her with anything, and I am so thankful to have gotten to play with her and have her as a friend all these years.
VYPE: Which teammate always brings the energy to the court?
AK: A teammate of mine who always keeps the energy high on and off the court is Olivia Brand. She’s always energetic and witty when it comes to anything we could be doing. Olivia has been such a bright light on the volleyball team and has made such a positive impact on everyone in the program. In the short few years, we have played together, she has inspired me to be proud of who I am and all the quirks I have.
VYPE: Which teammate is always focused?
AK: Someone who always stays focused and driven in a game is Isabela Becerra. Whether she’s on the court or on the sidelines, she keeps her calm. Holding our team together and keeping us steady through each rally. Her calm nature helps calm nerves for the players on and off the court. Though she isn’t much of a vocal outgoing person, each word she says is honest and motivational. I have had the honor of being best friends with her for what seems like forever, and I’m so thankful to have her in my life.
VYPE: How do you mentally prepare yourself for competition?
AK: My routine before a game consists of blasting music to get hyped up and thoroughly stretch before every match. Sometimes, for school volleyball, we would blast music and dance in the locker room right before the game it was so fun!
VYPE: What do you love most about your team and teammates?
AK: What I love most about my teammates is the comradery we have and the level of honesty we keep with each other. We keep the energy high and manage to encourage each other whenever the other is struggling. We always stay honest with each other and keep it real.
VYPE: What are your plans after high school?
AK: After high school, I’m continuing my volleyball career in college, playing at Randall University, where I’m going to major in psychology. My hope is to use my degree to go into neuropsychology.
VYPE: What area of your game did you improved the most this year?
AK: What I feel I’ve most improved in this year is my mental strength and my confidence in my playing ability instead of being timid. I learned to know what I can do and not doubt my ability, helping me contribute to my team in a stronger capacity.
