Inspired by past star, Rachel Kirk making own mark for St. Johns volleyball

In middle school, Rachel Kirk took note of Kendall White's accomplishments as a libero for the St. Johns volleyball team. Inspired by White's success, Kirk wondered if she could one day follow in her footsteps and make a similar impact on the court for the Redwings. Over the past four years, Kirk has achieved that goal and more.

The senior libero recently surpassed the milestone of 1,000 career digs during a sweep of Fowlerville and has been a pivotal player for the Redwings as a second-year captain. Kirk is proud of her consistency and dedication over the years, which has earned her recognition as the LSJ girls high school athlete of the week. With averages of 2.6 digs per set and 0.6 aces per set, Kirk is among Greater Lansing's top performers in the sport.

Her family's love for volleyball has been a source of pride for her, and she has drawn inspiration from their achievements. St. Johns coach Kelly Hutchinson commends Kirk's instincts and quick decision-making on the court, which allow her to contribute significantly to the team's plays. Looking ahead to her senior season, Kirk's primary focus is to make an even greater impact for St. Johns volleyball.

While she does not plan to play volleyball in college, she hopes to inspire the community by showcasing a supportive and resilient team that can overcome any setback.