JEFF FIELDER Editor
GERING – Elli Winkler, a senior outside hitter on Gering High School’s volleyball team, is this week’s Nspire Today! Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Winkler has been excelling this volleyball season, and she was even named an AVCA MaxPreps National Volleyball Player of the Week recently. Gering, which is 5-5 on the season, hosts Scottsbluff on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Her parents are Jeff and Amy Winkler.
Q: Describe how this season has been going for Gering?
WINKLER: “I think we’ve come out really strong. I think we’re kind of an overlooked team. Nobody thinks we’re going to do that well this season, but I think we’ve really come out and played well overall.”
Q: What were your expectations for the team coming into the season?
WINKLER: “I think we’ve played even better than I thought we would. I knew we could hang in there with the really good teams, but I think we’ve exceeded my expectations. Everyone is really stepping up their game, and we’re really coming together as a team.”
Q: What are the strengths of this year’s team?
WINKLER: “I think our passing has been a key factor for us. We have Zoee Smith, a D-I volleyball [recruit for Wyoming] who is phenomenal. Her digs really help us out. Also, I think we’ve all stepped up hitting-wise, which has really helped. We almost broke the serve record for Class B, so I think our serving is very strong, and our setting is great. So, I think we’re pretty strong all around.”
Q: What are your hopes for the team for the rest of the season?
WINKLER: “I’m hoping that we can beat Sidney and, hopefully, win our district and make it to state.”
Q: How many starters are back this year for the Gering volleyball team?
WINKLER: “We have four starters back this year.”
Q: How would you describe how your season has gone so far individually?
WINKLER: “I think I’ve really grown as a player over the past couple years. The hard work has been paying off.”
Q: How exciting was it to be named an AVCA MaxPreps National Volleyball Player of the Week?
WINKLER: “It was pretty exciting. I saw that, and I was ecstatic. It was shocking to me.”
Q: What’s been the key for you to continue to make progress and play as well as you have this season?
WINKLER: “I think it was my offseason that helped me a lot. I worked on getting my vertical up and getting stronger, and I was in the gym every chance I could get in there. Also, my team has helped me so much, too. I couldn’t do it without a perfect pass and a perfect set.”
Q: What other sports are you planning to compete in this school year?
WINKLER: “I’m doing track, and I’m also on the dance team.”
Q: How much does volleyball mean to you, especially this season since you’re a senior?
WINKLER: “I’m really excited for this season. Every game I cherish with my team. This has been the best few weeks of my life, just being with this team. I love them so much.”
Q: At this point in your high school career, do you feel like you still have a lot of room to improve?
WINKLER: “I definitely think I have a lot of room to improve. I keep working hard every day to try to get a little better.”
Q: Have you set any personal goals for this season?
WINKLER: “I just want to play consistent every game.”
Q: What are your plans after high school?
WINKLER: “I’m not quite sure yet. I’ve had some track offers, but I’m not sold on that just yet. I’m waiting to see what happens this season.”
Q: What is your favorite sport?
WINKLER: “I love track, but I think it has to be volleyball just because of the team aspect of it.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed being one of the leaders on this year’s volleyball team?
WINKLER: “It feels good. I really like to inspire my teammates and help them to be the best they can be, especially the freshmen because they’re so new to the varsity court. It’s fun to help them out.”
Q: How would you describe how your high school volleyball career has gone overall?
WINKLER: “It’s been really good. I’ve always loved Cochran as a coach, and I’ve always felt that our culture in Gering is really good. We’re just a very positive team.”
Q: Besides volleyball, track and the dance team, what other activities are you involved in this school year?
WINKLER: “I’m also involved in National Honor Society.”
Q: How much does that mean to you, being in National Honor Society?
WINKLER: “That’s really important to me because it sets the standard for how I need to act in school and as a citizen in the community.”
Q: How tough has it been to achieve excellent grades and to be part of National Honor Society?
WINKLER: “It’s not about how smart you are; it’s about applying yourself. It’s easy to focus on things that aren’t important, but you need to focus on your schoolwork and keeping your grades up.”
Q: What is your favorite class this year?
WINKLER: “I really love college Algebra. I’ve always loved math, and my volleyball coach is my teacher, which helps a lot.”
Q: Which teacher has made the biggest influence in your life?
WINKLER: “I would have to say Mr. [Andy] Stobel. He’s such a positive teacher and a positive person, and whenever I’m having a bad day, he always makes me laugh.”
Q: Name one person who you feel is a big difference-maker in the Gering community.
WINKLER: “One girl at our school, Faith Kennedy, is a really nice person. She’s always greeting people in the halls. She doesn’t get a lot of recognition, but she’s a great person all around. She’s a senior.”
Q: What do you like to do for fun outside of your school activities?
WINKLER: “I like to hang out with my family. I also like to travel, and I think hiking in the Black Hills with my family is really fun.”
Q: Have you lived in Gering your whole life?
WINKLER: “Yes.”
Q: Have you enjoyed growing up in Gering?
WINKLER: “I really love Gering. It’s been great growing up here. People are always really nice and supportive. I think it’s a great place to live.”
Q: What would you like to do for a career?
WINKLER: “I’m leaning toward the science field – maybe environmental sciences.”
Q: What would you like to be doing five to 10 years from now?
WINKLER: “Maybe an environmental engineer, but I’m not sure yet.”
Q: Who is your favorite music artist?
WINKLER: “I’m going to have to go with Drake.”
Q: If you were talking to someone who had never visited this area before, what’s one place that you would recommend he or she visit?
WINKLER: “Definitely the Monument. The view when you’re up there is really cool. You can see for miles, and it’s so beautiful.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the Gering/Scottsbluff area?
WINKLER: “Sandy’s.”
Q: What do you like to order there?
WINKLER: “A smothered bean and cheese burrito and a side of rice.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
WINKLER: “Yes. Gage Winkler (24) and Ashten Winkler (28).”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, 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. If you would like to increase your subscription to $20, Nspire Today! will donate the extra $5 in September to the Irrigation Disaster Relief Fund.
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.
