JEFF FIELDER Editor
MITCHELL – Jayden Kanno, a junior defensive specialist on Mitchell 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. Kanno’s performance Saturday helped the Tigers defeat Morrill and Gordon-Rushville to win the Western Trails Conference Tournament championship. Her parents are Eliasar and Michael Kanno.
Q: How exciting was it to win the WTC Tournament championship?
KANNO: “It was really exciting. We had a lot of energy going into it.”
Q: What was the key for Mitchell to win the tournament?
KANNO: “I think the key was us working together as a team. I think we did a better job of that in the tournament compared to our previous games. We started off strong, and we finished strong.”
Q: I know Mitchell graduated quite a few seniors from last year’s team. Did you think Mitchell would be able to keep playing well this season?
KANNO: “We just needed to work harder. Last year we had a lot of talent, and this year we don’t have quite as much talent, but I knew if we worked really hard we could definitely play well.”
Q: Are you pleased with how Mitchell has started this season overall?
KANNO: “Yes, I am pretty happy. It’s been a good season so far. I think if we continue to work hard, we’ll win a lot of games this season and compete well against the tougher teams on our schedule.”
Q: What is the strength of this year’s team?
KANNO: “I definitely think our defense is pretty good.”
Q: Just how good can this year’s team be, especially toward the end of the season?
KANNO: “I think we have a chance to go to state. We’re playing well now, but I think we can still improve a lot.”
Q: What other sports do you compete in?
KANNO: “Basketball and track.”
Q: Which sport is your favorite?
KANNO: “I have a lot of fun in volleyball, but basketball is definitely my favorite.”
Q: How much do you enjoy being a defensive specialist?
KANNO: “I enjoy it a lot. I really like passing. I think I’m better at that than setting. I really like this position. I think it fits me well.”
Q: Outside of sports, do you participate in any other activities at school?
KANNO: “I’m in FBLA [Future Business Leaders of America] and National Honor Society. I’m also a crew member in One Acts.”
Q: Talk about how important grades are to you?
KANNO: “I think it’s super important because you have to have a good education to pursue what you want to do in the future. I love to work hard in my classes. Sometimes I’ll struggle, but I’ll always ask the teacher for help.”
Q: Up to this point in your educational career, which teacher has influenced you the most?
KANNO: “There’s so many teachers who have influenced me. Mitchell has a lot of great teachers. I really couldn’t pick a specific teacher because they all push me to work harder in each class.”
Q: Outside of school activities, what do you enjoy doing for fun?
KANNO: “Probably hanging out with my friends and family.”
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant in this area?
KANNO: “Definitely the Steel Grill [in Gering].”
Q: What do you like to order there?
KANNO: “Steak nachos. That’s all I order there. That’s the best thing there.”
Q: If you were talking to someone who had never been to this area before, what’s one place that you would recommend he or she visit?
KANNO: “I’d say the Monument. It’s pretty fun up there.”
Q: Have you thought about what you would like to do after you graduate from high school?
KANNO: “I’m not sure yet what I want to do.”
Q: What is your favorite type of music, and who is your favorite music artist?
KANNO: “I definitely love country music. My favorite artist is Thomas Rhett.”
Q: Who are your siblings?
KANNO: “I have one sister. Her name is Kenzey. She’s a freshman at Chadron State College.”
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.
