Running across the court is her mission, and Kaylee Cao sets the ball to the net high and powerful to her outside hitter who’s waiting for the kill. Cao has been playing volleyball since the fourth grade.

With six years of being a setter under her belt, Cao has always had someone to look up to. Her 18-year old brother, Eric Cao, started volleyball in the sixth grade, which progressed Cao’s passion. Eric is also a setter, so she was able to grow up learning the ways of being a setter.

Eric is extremely proud of his sister.

“Kaylee has grown tremendously throughout the four years of her playing volleyball. She went from just watching me play with my friends, to winning tournaments on a weekly basis. In that time, she has learned to adapt to her situations and make the most out of it like when she joined a new club team. She didn’t know many people there and she took it upon herself to become the leader of her team, and try her best to lead her team to wins every weekend. From being a more shy and reserved person before starting volleyball, to now being one of the vocal leaders of her team, Kaylee has truly become a better person because of volleyball,” Eric said.

“Once I started playing, I loved interacting with her teammates, and applying practice plays during tournaments and games,” Cao said.

Gulsum Mehmeti, who is Cao’s teammate, has a lot of gratitude towards Cao.

“Kaylee is an amazing setter, and the energy she brings to the court just makes the whole game better. I’ve been playing with her since fourth grade, and this is our fourth year playing on the same club team. She is one of the hardest workers I know when it comes to practicing. I hope we can continue growing as teammates,” Mehmeti said.

Additionally, Megan Burke, who is another one of Cao’s teammates, had a few words to include.

“Kaylee is a great asset to any volleyball team because of her determination, and ability to adjust to each players need when setting,” Burke said.

Cao has practice two days a week, and if she doesn’t have a two day tournament on the weekend, she will be at practice on Sundays as well.

“Even though half of my week is dedicated to volleyball, I try to go the extra mile to contribute to all my classes,” Cao said. Her favorite class is English. “I have always been interested in being able to write about my own experiences, women, and gender rights”.

Cao also loves the idea of making sure our society needs to be one-hundred percent equal in the future.

During writing pieces for English, she loves to listen to her preferred song, “Young and Beautiful,” by Lana Del Rey. English teacher Evelyn Lauer believes Cao is a great strength to their class.

“Kaylee participates often in the class, and is very good student in general. Regardless if she is a shy and reserved person, she knows the material well, and is willing to help her fellow classmates. Kaylee is able to complete the work given in class quickly, and help those around her with questions. Overall, she is a student I would describe as someone who tries her hardest. For example, if it takes multiple tries to achieve the goal or grade she desires, she will do the revisions or extra credit. I can tell that Kaylee is trying to become a better writer,” Lauer said.

All positive comments were given about Cao as a general student and teammate. She strives everyday to work hard in the things she loves, and will give her all in everything she wants to accomplish.