JEFF FIELDER Editor
ALLIANCE – Billi Alvarado, a senior at Alliance High School, has been named Nspire Today!’s Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Alvarado is in her second year as a starting setter on Alliance’s varsity volleyball team. She has a 3.5 GPA. Her parents are Sherri Alvarado and Billy Alvarado. For being named an Athlete of the Week, Billi will receive a gift card for a free drink at Scooter’s Coffee.
Q: How has Alliance’s volleyball season been going so far?
ALVARADO: “At the beginning of the season, it was kind of rough. We weren’t playing together, but recently, we started playing better as a team. I think we’ll keep improving.” Editor’s note: Alliance currently has a 6-6 record.
Q: What were your expectations for Alliance’s volleyball team going into the season?
ALVARADO: “We have a young team, so a lot of us hadn’t played much together. But I knew we had a lot of potential. I thought we definitely could be a good team.”
Q: What do you think is the strength of this year’s team?
ALVARADO: “I’d say our defense. Our serve receive is very good.”
Q: How much do you enjoy being a setter?
ALVARADO: “I enjoy it a lot because I get to touch the ball almost every time it comes over the net. I’m able to play in the front row and the back row, so it’s fun being on the court a lot.”
Q: Why did you develop such an interest in playing volleyball?
ALVARADO: “I’ve been playing it since I was really young. Also, I have an older sister [Karley Alvarado] who played, so I went to a lot of her tournaments. It’s just a sport that I’ve always enjoyed.”
Q: How much do you like being a senior leader on the team?
ALVARADO: “It can be difficult at times. There’s normally about five seniors on the team, but with just two this year, it’s been very different. But it’s been fun stepping up.”
Q: How much are you going to miss playing volleyball after this season?
ALVARADO: “I’m really going to miss it, especially the practices and scrimmages. I’m really going to miss the homes games, too. They’re so much fun.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed growing up in Alliance?
ALVARADO: “I’ve enjoyed it because it’s a small, safe town.”
Q: How is your senior year of school going overall?
ALVARADO: “It’s going well. I don’t have as many classes this year. I get out at 1 p.m. every day, so it’s nice being able to go home before practice.”
Q: Besides playing volleyball, what else do you like to do for fun?
ALVARADO: “I like to spend time with my family and friends. During the summer, I enjoy going to the lake.”
Q: Right now, what are you planning to do after you graduate from high school?
ALVARADO: “As of right now, I’m thinking about moving to Texas with my older sister. I’m not sure what I want to do for college yet.”
Q: During your educational career, which teacher has made the biggest influence on you?
ALVARADO: “Mrs. [Roxie] Smith. She’s so down to Earth, and she’s so caring. I’ve really enjoyed having her as a teacher.”
Q: What is your favorite class this school year?
ALVARADO: “Food and nutrition.”
Q: What’s your favorite subject in school?
ALVARADO: “I’d say English.”
Q: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
ALVARADO: “R&B.”
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
ALVARADO: “All American.”
Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Alliance High School?
ALVARADO: “Caisey Pfeiffer. She’s a senior. She’s nice to everyone, and she’s never part of any drama. She’s also willing to help people.”
Q: What’s the most exciting place you’ve ever traveled to?
ALVARADO: “New York City. We went there two years ago for a family vacation.”
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant in Alliance?
ALVARADO: “La Villa.”
Q: What do you like to order there?
ALVARADO: “Their enchilada plate.”
Q: If you could give a shoutout to one business in Alliance, which one would it be and why?
ALVARADO: “Shelmadine Print Shop because they make all of our shirts for fundraisers. They’re super supportive.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more of?
ALVARADO: “Be kinder to other people.”
Q: Do you work?
ALVARADO: “Yes, I work at Scooter’s Coffee.”
Q: Who are your siblings?
ALVARADO: “I have two older sisters: Haley and Karley.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC – American Family Insurance, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865.
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
