(WLTX) - Caleen Hawkins and Andrea Keesee are co-captains on the Blythewood volleyball team that is ranked fourth in the state. Caleen is rated the number one setter in the state and she has earned All-State and All-Region honors. Andrea, Blythewood's Miss Homecoming in 2009, earned All-Region honors.
"They are amazing volleyball players who give 100% 100% of the time," says Blythewood volleyball coach Mary Hall. "The definitely push each other," Hall continues "and it's a friendly competition and sometimes not so friendly competition because they both want the best."
Caleen and Andrea have been friends and teammates since they met as ninth graders and they understand their roles as leaders both on and off the court. "It makes you realize that what you're doing is impacting someone's life," Andrea explains and she goes on to say, "It's a good feeling to know that you can motivate someone whether it's on the court or in some other way." Caleen says "I do consider myself a leader. I try my best to do the right thing all the time and to set the right tone for others to follow."
Andrea and Caleen are members of Beta Club and National Honor Society. Andrea has a 3.6 GPA and Caleen has a 3.5 GPA. Coach Hall says both have embraced their roles as student leaders. "They understand others are watching them, watching how they interact with each other and watching how they are outside the gym and in the classroom and in the hallways. It's a lot of pressure, but they have stepped up to the plate to be the beautiful role models they should be."
Both Caleen and Andrea have scholarship offers and will continue their volleyball careers in college. Caleen has already committed to South Carolina State. Her plan is to major in biology and puruse a career as a physical therapist. Andrea is considering Francis Marion, Presbyterian and Charleston Southern. She wants to be a teacher and will major in elementary education.
10/16/2009 4:39:57 PM
