JEFF FIELDER Editor
HAY SPRINGS – Katelin Agler, a senior at Hay Springs High School, is this week’s Nspire Today! Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. In volleyball, Agler started for the fourth year as an outside hitter. She led the team (12-17) this fall in hitting and digging, and she was selected to the All-Panhandle Conference Volleyball First Team. She’s now in her third season as a starter (post) on Hay Springs’ basketball team. In addition to sports, she’s also involved in National Honor Society, FBLA, and One Acts. Her GPA is 3.7. Her parents are Jennifer and Jesse Agler.
Q: How did you feel the volleyball season went for Hay Springs this fall?
AGLER: “It went really well. We definitely improved from last year and started working together more. It was a lot of fun.”
Q: Did the team meet its goals?
AGLER: “Yes, we did. We won a lot of games. Our goal was to improve from last season, and I definitely feel like we improved a lot.”
Q: You were named first-team all-conference in volleyball. How special was that honor?
AGLER: “I love the sport, so earning that honor after working hard for four years really meant a lot to me.”
Q: How much do you feel like you improved from your junior year to your senior year?
AGLER: “I feel like I improved a lot. I was in the gym all summer for open gym, and I also went to camps and did weights. I worked really hard to get where I am.”
Q: You compete in multiple sports. Which sport is your favorite?
AGLER: “Volleyball is my favorite, for sure. I’ve always had a heart for volleyball. I love basketball, too, but I’ve always really loved playing volleyball. If I have free time, I’d love to go to the gym to play volleyball.”
Q: How’s the basketball season going so far for Hay Springs?
AGLER: “These first few games have been kind of rough, but I feel like we’ll start figuring things out eventually. We’re practicing hard.”
Q: Have you set some goals for this basketball season?
AGLER: “We just want to compete and have fun.”
Q: What are your plans after you graduate from high school?
AGLER: “I’ve decided to focus on my studies and not play college sports. I’d like to go into nursing.”
Q: What college do you plan to attend?
AGLER: “I haven’t decided yet. I’ve been looking at a few different colleges.”
Q: Why have you decided to pursue a career in nursing?
AGLER: “I’ve always loved the idea of helping others. I attended Health Professions the last three years at Box Butte General Hospital, where I listened to a lot of successful nurses speak.”
Q: How much are you going to miss playing competitive sports?
AGLER: “I’m definitely going to miss sports. This year I’ve been giving it my all because knowing that [her sports career is coming to a close] is hard. I’m going to miss it a lot.”
Q: How has competing in sports over the years helped you grow and mature as a person?
AGLER: “It’s definitely taught me how to work together with other people and the importance of having a good attitude. My coaches have really taught me to have a good attitude. It definitely helps going into the real world. I recommend sports to any student.”
Q: Up to this point, what is your top memory from your athletic career?
AGLER: “Probably getting second at Panhandle Conference in volleyball.”
Q: During your athletic career, which coach do you feel has made the biggest impact on you?
AGLER: “All of my coaches have helped me tremendously over the years in different aspects, so I’m not sure I could pick one.”
Q: Were you one of the team captains in volleyball this fall?
AGLER: “Yes, I was.”
Q: How much did you enjoy being a captain this year, and what was the main thing you tried to stress to your teammates?
AGLER: “I told my teammates to give it their all and to be confident because that’s what I’ve learned over the years. It meant a lot to get to lead the team. I’m really close with all the girls, and I loved helping them.”
Q: What is your favorite non-sports activity in school?
AGLER: “One Act is probably my favorite. I like interacting with the other kids, and I also like being on stage in front of people. It’s enjoyable.”
Q: What’s your favorite subject in school?
AGLER: “My college prep class is probably my favorite. I get to work on scholarships, and I get to look at different colleges to decide where I want to go.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed growing up around the Hay Springs area?
AGLER: “I love the small town, and I love how friendly everyone is. Everybody knows everybody, and I like that aspect of the town.”
Q: Outside of your school activities, what do you like to do for fun?
AGLER: “I like to hang out with friends and family.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more of?
AGLER: “Help each other more and be more kind.”
Q: Favorite TV show?
AGLER: “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
AGLER: “Country.”
Q: If you could give a shoutout to one business in Hay Springs, which one would it be and why?
AGLER: “Sacker’s. It’s a gas station that’s always open for seniors when they have open campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The ladies who work there are always smiling and are very kind when we go there.”
Q: What do you think is the coolest attraction in the WyoBraska area?
AGLER: “Chadron State Park. It’s really pretty there.“
Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?
AGLER: “The Twisted Turtle in Rushville. It’s a pizza place. Everybody there is really nice.”
Q: What do you like to order there?
AGLER: “Hawaiian pizza.”
Q: Name one person in your community who you think is a big difference-maker.
AGLER: “Lisa Merritt, my volleyball coach. She always makes an effort to come to the activities, even if it’s not volleyball. Also, I know I can always go to her if I ever need anything.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
AGLER: “Yes. I have an older sister, Ashley. She’s 21. I also have a little brother, Jaxon. He’s 8.”
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 October to the Panhandle Humane Society.
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.
