Kirk beaming up digs for the Trojanettes

Windthorst senior Bree Kirk is embracing a new role for the Trojanettes in 2022. After the graduation of three-year starter Camryn Latham, Kirk is looking to fill the void left by the Arlington Baptist signee at libero.

While she has certainly spent plenty of time on the backrow over the previous three seasons, Kirk is making the transition to the specialized libero position.

“It is different only playing backrow all the time,” Kirk said. “I was able to play with Camryn the last few years and she really showed me what to do as a libero and how to play that position. Coach Bussey has been helping me a lot too.”

Despite learning the new position on the fly, Windthorst head coach Allison Bussey raved about her senior’s work ethic to better help the Trojanettes.

“Bree has grown so much from her freshman year to now,” Bussey said. “She’s always been one that’s willing to do anything and everything to make her team better. She’s been on the backrow passing; she’s been a setter for us; she’s been a hitter for us. She’s always looking to perfect her game any way she can. She’s very coachable and is never satisfied. She wants to always push to get better and make her team better. I’m trying to get her being a little bit more vocal and so far I’ve seen a big difference in the first few weeks in that aspect of her game. She wants the ball to come to her and is aggressive anytime the ball comes anywhere near her.”

Last year, Kirk shined as a defensive specialist, filling in on the backrow as needed while racking up 262 digs to go along with 38 aces. With everyone but Latham returning for the 2022 season, she knows this team has an opportunity to be special.

“I’m a little nervous and sad but I’m also really excited about this season,” Kirk said. “This is our best shot to go as far as we can in the playoffs. I’m glad that it’s my senior year out of any other year. My goals for the season is for our teamwork to get better. It’s building with every game we have. I just think that connection will take us very far.”

In games, the spunky senior can always be seen with a smile on her face and dancing with her teammates all over the court. Despite all the energy, Kirk admits she’s much more soft-spoken behind the scenes.

“I like being able to dance with Saige Anderson before the game and just act goofy,” Kirk said. “It helps loosen up the nerves. I come off very spontaneous and outgoing in games and at events but when I first meet people I’m very shy and quiet.”

When her playing career is over, she wants to be remembered as a hard-worker and a good teammate.

After high school, she hopes to play softball and volleyball at the next level before going on to teach high school math and coach softball.

“I’m very grateful for all my teammates and coaches,” Kirk added. “They’ve helped me a lot. I’m also grateful for our fans.”