Athlete Profile: Khloie Cherek

Supportive Witt-Birn senior helps team to conference title

The Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School volleyball team won the Central Wisconsin Conference-East Division title on Oct. 15. The conference crown was the team’s second straight, a perfect end to a high school career for seniors like Khloie Cherek.

Cherek finished as one of the Chargers top servers this fall. She attempted 81 serves and finished with the top serve percentage (96.3) for any player above 60 serves. She ended the regular season with 41 service points.

Q: When did your interest in volleyball begin?

A: My interest in volleyball began in eighth grade. I wanted to become more involved and my friends were in it, so I decided to try it.

Q: What is your favorite part about the volleyball season?

A: My favorite part is listening to the fans cheer for us, especially during a very close set. The energy from the stands radiates onto the court.

Q: What has volleyball taught you over the years?

A: Volleyball has taught me how to work with a team, and to always work your hardest, on and off the court.

Q: Talk about what this fall season was like as you and your team dealt with new guidelines under the pandemic.

A: It was a struggle at first to get used to wearing the masks while playing, but I think playing with limited fans was harder. We also weren’t allowed to do our usual pregame ritual of listening to music in the locker room while getting ready, and then praying for a good game.

Q: The team enjoyed a ton of success this fall. What led to that success?

A: I think what led to our success was us being able to work as a team, especially with new teammates, and being able to adjust to new rotations and plays.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Wittenberg-Birnamwood volleyball team?

A: My favorite memory of competing on the team is the game we had at home against Amherst this year. We played five sets, and on one of the sets we went back and forth, but I loved whenever we would score and everyone would jump up and cheer.

Q: What are you going to miss most about high school volleyball?

A: I am going to miss making memories with all the new friends I made throughout the years, and being on the court.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: TV show — “Friends.” Movie — “The Lion King.” Musical artist — Polo G.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I once had to get stitches right above my eye from swinging, and then falling onto a coat rack.

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: Keep on dancing. This has taken on multiple meanings — never give up even when it seems as though everything is stacked against you.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I am attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and hope to accomplish earning a degree in mathematics and business finance.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Khloie Cherek

Sport: Volleyball

Position: Defensive specialist

School: Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School

Year: Senior