Senior Spotlight: SJEL's Kate Hergert is back

ST. JOHN - Back on the volleyball court after being out from having knee surgery last season, St. John-Endicott/LaCrosse senior Kate Hergert has already overcome many challenges.

Hergert started on the varsity volleyball team as a sophomore, and played varsity basketball as a freshman and sophomore, but had to sit out last season due to her surgery. This year, she is the lone volleyball senior and will lead the team throughout the season.

"I love the people, my teammates, I love playing a team sport and the school spirit," Hergert said. "I think that's really important and I missed it alot last year."

Hergert said the best thing about volleyball is the team chemistry and the excitement of being on the court with her friends. To her, volleyball is unique in how a team can celebrate its accomplishments during the match.

"I like how you get that break between every play to celebrate each other and pump each other up," Hergert said. "You don't get that opportunity with a lot of other sports."

Hergert is also a district Future Farmers of America (FFA) officer and president of her local chapter. She said getting the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and work with others is something that is great about FFA.

"I love how it's realistic with experiences and it has prepared me to be a better individual," Hergert said. "I love getting to encourage people and getting the message of the organization across to help everyone become a better person when they leave high school.

After graduating, Hergert plans to major in business or accounting, or both. She doesn't have a college picked out yet, but she has been looking at Carroll College in Helena, Mont., and Montana State University in Bozeman.

Hergert has an older brother who is six years older than her. He recently graduated from Eastern Washington University in Cheney. She said the people who have helped her out the most through her high school career have been her family.

"My parents are my biggest supporters and my biggest encouragement," Hergert said. "My mom specifically - she has come to everything and is there supporting me all the time. I love my mom."