You will be hard-pressed to find a player who loves being part of her team as much as Polianna West does from Classen SAS. As a member of the varsity volleyball team, West believes a positive attitude and building strong bonds with teammates will result in success on the floor. West has played volleyball since the age of seven, now a starting outside hitter for the high school, West is focused on making the most of every opportunity she gets.
“My teammates are so supportive and it’s a very positive environment. Win or lose, my team is always going to come back and fight for everything. They leave it all on the court and as their captain, I couldn’t ask for a better team,” said West.
West also pointed out that the coaching staff really sets the tone for the team.
“We have two amazing coaches this year and they are really pushing us to be the absolute best this year,” said West.
West has big plans once her playing days at Classen SAS are over. She is a member of the BSU (Black Student Union) and plans to run track this year after missing last season to a torn ACL. West said her grades always come first and her family has emphasized that over the years.
“My family has always told me that my grades come first, and I completely agree. That’s why I chose Classen because I am a strings major for my school and I knew Classen would open doors for me and really push me academically,” said West.
A violin player, West has talents that far exceed the volleyball court. She one day would like to compete at a high level in volleyball, but her main goal is to work in the medical field.
“I want to become an OBGYN and if not that just be in the medial field. I have a passion for wanting to help people,” said West.
No surprise, her favorite subject in school is biomedical Science.
“It’s just such an interesting class and I really enjoy getting to learn new things and experiment in the lab,” said West. “My favorite teacher has to be Mrs. Banz (orchestra instructor/teacher), she is so amazing. She is always helping me to improve and supports me in anything even if it isn’t related to just orchestra. She takes her time to get to know every student and all of us have just become like family.”
Away from school you can usually find West spending time with her little brother. She evens finds time to practice passing against a wall, something she did as a kid.
