Allyson Kuhl, daughter of Darrin and Stephenie Kuhl, has signed to play volleyball at Vincennes University after graduating from Newton Community High School. Allyson will be going in as a middle/right side. During her time at NCHS she has participated in track her freshman through junior year, and band her freshman year. She has been in science club, math club, Spanish club, BETA club, FCA, and the Star-Spangled Banner club. Outside of school, she has played club volleyball for Extreme VBC in Flora. She also attends St. Thomas Church in Newton.
What made you decide this school was the best fit for you?
I believe Vincennes is a great fit for a few reasons. I loved the campus whenever I visited and I really like the girls there that I’ve met so far. The coaches were also very welcoming and I’m excited to be with their coaching style and team culture next year. Another reason is that they’re one of the very few junior colleges that have my major, pre-occupational therapy, and it’s close enough to home that I can still come back to visit my family and watch my little sister in her high school sports.
How do you feel NCHS has prepared you for this next step in life?
How has NCHS prepared you for this next step: NCHS has prepared me for this next step in life by offering dual-credit courses, pushing me to be a better student, and by having educated adults around to answer any questions I have about college.
What are at least two life lessons you have learned from sports?
Sports have taught me many things such as nothing will be handed to you. You can’t just walk into practices or games assuming that you’re the better team or player. Do not underestimate any opponent. Another thing sports has taught me is time management. During a sport, you have to have a good balance with your life or your grades could decline, your health may deteriorate, and you can be more vulnerable to getting sick.
How have your coaches (and assistant coaches) helped prepare you to play at a collegiate level?
I think that my coaches definitely have prepared me to play at a collegiate level. They’ve prepared me by giving me the mindset that something can always be better. You can always improve in technique, placement, or arm swing, so you always need to come into the practice with something that you’re going to focus on. They’ve also helped me with mental toughness throughout the years.
What will you miss the most next year about not being a Newton Eagle?
What will you miss the most about being an eagle: I will miss my teammates the most. I love the bond that my team had, especially us seniors. One teammate in particular, I’ve played with since 5th grade, so it’s going to be sad without her next year.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Anything else I’d like to add: I’d like to add a special thank you to my parents and all of the coaches I’ve had throughout the years. Thank you to my parents for driving me to countless tournaments, practices, and always making sure I have good kneepads, ankle braces, and everything else I need to function in volleyball. Another thank you goes out to all of my school ball coaches and club coaches for helping develop my love for the game and always pushing me to be a better athlete. The final thank you is to my teammates for always keeping my head up and being some of the best people I know.
