JB: First things first, how can I assure our readers that this is in fact Kaitlyn Wolters – that you and your twin sister aren’t up to some Parent Trap-style shenanigans?
KW: I guess you’re just going to have to trust that it’s me. I’m pretty honest…

JB: How does it feel to be the GLIAC Volleyball Player of the Year and Setter of the Year?
KW: It’s definitely a good honor. I was working up to that, hoping that I would be Setter of the Year. I put my team first, and they really helped me get this award so it’s a good honor to what all my hard work has gone to.

JB: When you’re on the court, you’re all business. But whenever I see you off the court, you’ve always got a smile on your face. Would you say you’re the happiest person in the GLIAC?
KW: Not the happiest person but I think I’d be up there. I don’t let a lot of things bother me when I’m off the court. I’m a pretty even keel, go with the flow type person.

JB: Definitely. You always seem to be upbeat though. How would you describe yourself?
KW: Oh boy. I guess I’m a pretty honest person, very caring I guess you could say. I definitely put people first – I’m very “them before me” and make sure everyone else is OK. A mother figure I guess you could say.

JB: Well that’s perfect because, on the court, that’s the role you play. Always putting your teammates first, setting them up with assists. We know you’re a pro when it comes to racking up assists, but there’s a lot more to your game. You dropped the first GVSU triple-double since 2007 against Ferris earlier this season: 34 assists, 12 digs and 11 kills  –  without an error. Certainly a multitalented player on the court, but what other hidden talents do you have?
KW: Hidden talents. Not volleyball related?

JB: Mhm.
KW: Well I can juggle.

JB: When did you acquire that skill?
KW: It took me a while to get it; I was very focused on being able to juggle. It was in high school, my senior year. We had a competition, and I wanted to win that competition.

JB: That’s awesome. I’ve always wanted to ask you this: Your signature no-look kill – where did you perfect that?
KW: Where did I perfect it? I would have to say last year was when they really pushed me to be more offensive, so I had to come up with different kills. When I was at GRCC, I did the two-hand no-lookie instead of the one. Now I’m more effective with just one. It’s trickier.

JB: Which one fools other teams more, the one or the two?
KW: I think the two-handed over fools more people, but I have more power with my one hand.

JB: How does it feel to surprise the opponent when no one sees it coming? How cool is that feeling?
KW: Yeah it’s definitely my moment of being a hitter…You kind of feel on top of the world like, “I just made that play, got them out, got a point and we’re rolling.” You feel like you’re on top of the world, especially because I don’t get many opportunities.

JB: I could see that. If you had to play a different sport at Grand Valley, what would it be?
KW: I played soccer in high school…

JB: The soccer team just won a playoff game in a snowstorm. Could you guys do that if you had to play outside?
KW: Yeah, we would definitely win  –  through all that snow and all that. We would fight that adversity.

JB: What do you make of all this snow?
KW: I don’t like snow…I only like snow the week of Christmas and then it can go away.

JB: Any significance to the No. 7?
KW: Nope. That’s just the number I was given. But I mean it’s the lucky number seven, so I guess you could look at it that way.

JB: I noticed Kourtney (Wolters) dons No. 11. Does that mean the Wolters-to-Wolters connection, like 7-Eleven, is always open?
KW: My aunt actually mentioned that like, “You guys are 7-Eleven, you go together.” … It’s just kind of a coincidence…

JB: Some quick ones for you. Any superstitions?
KW: Yeah. Before the game, I have a lot of superstitions I need to do, especially with my injuries. I need to do it a certain way. It’s not OCD – but it’s just something that gets me focused for the game.

JB: Like what?
KW: Our trainer has to do the stuff for my knee – no one else can do that. I have to put my water bottle down in the huddle. It’s weird but it’s just what I do. And before a game, I have to go through the alphabet.

JB: Go through the alphabet?
KW: I’ll sit there in my room or wherever and I’ll just go like, “A-B-C…” Just to get focused.

JB: Not a bad strategy.
KW: It’s weird, but it helps me.

JB: OK, OK. Pre-game meal?
KW: I usually have a turkey and cheese on a pretzel bun with chili. You’ve got protein, carbs and everything else.

JB: Solid choice. Pre-game music?
KW: Definitely more of like the rap, “get pumped up” type thing just to get it going.

JB: Favorite rapper?
KW: It would have to be Wiz Khalifa.

JB: Good choice, good choice. Any nicknames?
KW: Just Kate, Kitty…

JB: Kitty?
KW: Yeah people have called me Kitty.

JB: Why?
KW: I don’t know…Maybe I look like a cat? I don’t know.

JB: What is the team’s record with you in the starting lineup?
KW: Like … 40-7 maybe?

JB: 52-8. You were close. Who’s the best hitter on the team?
KW: Best hitter on the team? I’d have to say Abby Aiken.

JB: Abby Aiken, fair. Last year’s GLIAC Player of the Year.
KW: Yeah, you know.

JB: Funniest girl on the team?
KW: Funniest girl on the team? Jess Majerle for sure.

JB: Why’s that?
KW: I guess she has this dry sense of humor, just her laugh. Whenever she makes a joke, she laughs and it’s just contagious.

JB: Best dressed?
KW: Well we don’t really dress up so I would have to say the best dressed would have to be Josie (Werner) because she dresses up the most?

JB: Understandable. Favorite class you’ve taken at Grand Valley?
KW: I would have to say my anatomy and physiology class because I like learning about the body and how it moves. It’s just fascinating to know that it’s unconscious – you don’t think about all your body does…

JB: I could see that being interesting. What’s your dream job?
KW: My dream job. Like realistic?

JB: Anything. Dream.
KW: My dream has always been to be an Olympic athlete.

JB: That’s a good dream.
KW: My realistic job would be like an ultrasound technician.

JB: OK. That’s cool, is that what you’re going for, like your major?
KW: Sort of. I’m going for rec therapy but hopefully later coming back to that.

JB: Have you and your sister ever switched jerseys before a match to confuse people?
KW: No, but we have switched classes. It was only in first grade. We were rebels back then.

JB: You pulled it off though?
KW: No.

JB: You got caught?
KW: The teacher was yelling “Kourt” when I was there and I was like, “My name’s not Kourt. It’s Kate.” So I kind of screwed us.

JB: That’s perfect.
KW: At least we can say we tried.