Chickasha senior outside hitter Kylie Owens sees the game from both sides of the net.

“I’ve learned a lot from volleyball, but I think the greatest lesson would have to be about mindset. I’ve been raised to keep a positive attitude and mindset no matter the situation, including in sports,” Owens said. “A big part of volleyball is your mindset. If a player on the other side of the net sees you are frustrated or down, they will use that to their advantage.”

Owens has seen her share of games sway against a team that lost its composure, “even though they had more skill than the team that beat them.”

Owens, also a performer on her church’s praise and worship team, is heavily involved within the community. She teaches children’s classes in the nursery. She planned to run track this season, but an internship at First National Bank & Trust Co., where she works within the marketing department and even-planning, kept her from having the time to compete; regardless, Chickasha girls track coach Nancy Waters had high praise for Owens’ character.

“Kylie is the kind of person you want to coach. She works hard at whatever sport she is participating in, always there and ready to work,” Waters said. “[She] works hard in the classroom and helps with projects in the community and church.”

Owens also is in volunteer club, JOI club and National Honor Society. Being a student-athlete is all about balance, Owens said, “while also having fun and enjoying your sport.”

She plans to attend bible college in Texas to continue her missions work.

“We play a big part on what we choose to let affect us,” Owens said. “I know leaving high school is definitely going to be a big change and going out into the world to start my career and the rest of my life, but I think keeping a positive outlook and not letting struggles keep me from fulfilling God’s plan for my life is definitely part of the mindset lesson I have learned from volleyball.”

Owens hopes her classmates remember her kindness after she graduates.

“I try my best to do unto others as I would have done unto my, as well as giving others the support and kindness I would want,” Owens said.