Mental focus the emphasis for Kruschel

Wesmen recruit led high school volleyball team to provincials

An athletic and academic all-star at the high school she graduated from, Carleen Kruschel understands the transition to university-level athletics is difficult. Mary Ann Masesar

There’s no doubt that Carleen Kruschel has the skills to succeed and the focus to win.

A five-foot-ten Beausejour native, Kruschel led her high school volleyball team at Edward Schreyer School to the provincials, landing a top 10 finish and winning Game All-Star.

Through all this she maintained a 90 per cent academic average, participated in other sports such as basketball and fastball, sat on student council and edited the school’s yearbook.

Kruschel, 18, understands the transition to university-level athletics is certainly difficult.

“There’s not much free time for me. It’s very different coming from a small town to a bigger city. The volleyball is the same but school is a lot different. I just try to stay in touch with old friends and basically organize myself so that when I don’t have much time, I’m not behind in everything.”

After last season’s 1-19 record, the Wesmen’s women’s volleyball team certainly has its own challenges, but Kruschel conveys confidence.

“There are a lot of new players, so it’s still a developing year. But I love my team on and off the court. There’s no drama and the environment is friendly.

“For me now, it’s a lot about developing the mental game. Usually I’d play volleyball for the skill and to win. After playing the Jr. Wesman club team last year, it became more about the people I met and the friends I made.”

When asked which word she would use to describe herself, Kruschel said “intense.”

“I’m quite shy in everyday experiences. But I am definitely more competitive, more talkative, more outgoing and more aggressive on the court.”

Be sure to watch how Carleen’s mental focus and intensity play out when her team plays their next home game on Friday, Nov. 13.

Published in Volume 64, Number 7 of The Uniter (October 15, 2009)

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