Katie Keefe

Interview

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I started playing volleyball after my sister joined a local club.

What does a typical week look like for you?

Strength and conditioning on Mondays and Thursdays, training on Tuesdays and Fridays, matches, competitions or camps at the weekends.

How will your SportsAid Award help you?

As I am moving into higher levels of competition, I would use the SportsAid Award towards my strength and conditioning programme in order to achieve better results. I will also use it to pay for travel and other costs for upcoming events.

What motivates you to continue in your sport?

I love the sport, the competition and the team environment.

Who is your sporting hero and why?

Kerri Walsh-Jennings - US Olympian, as she demonstrates what I would like to be as a player.

What do you do in your free time?

When I am not playing volleyball or studying, I like to go out with my friends or go to see my sister at university.

Short-term aims

My aims for the the next 12 months are to improve my overall strength and fitness which will help me play at a higher level and help my team to win the National U16 and U18 Indoor Volleyball competitions. I am also aiming to help the National England U17 and U19 teams improve on last years NEVZA results. Additionally, I am looking to win the National U16 and U18 Beach Volleyball competitions and compete and improve on my U18 CEV European Beach Volleyball results.

Long-term aims

I would like to receive an American university scholarship and play at a high level for one of the top US teams in both beach and indoor volleyball. I would also like to continue with England volleyball and eventually represent my country in the Commonwealth Games and even perhaps the Olympics.