Havre's multi-talented Hellegaard going to Carroll

For the last four years it's been school, volleyball practice, choir and then homework. Or depending on what time of year it is, it's been school, track practice, choir and then homework. And in the busiest of times, Havre High senior Karla Hellegaard may have even added another round of choir practice or performances to her demanding daily routine as a very active member in the St. Jude's Catholic Church. To say the least, Hellegaard's high school career hasn't been a cakewalk. And though she is keen on the fact that her rigorous schedule has taught her valuable life lessons, it has also set her up for the next stage of her life. "I can't even picture myself doing one thing," Hellegaard said. "I go to track in the afternoon, and go sing at night. During volleyball season its singing then volleyball, I just have to mix things up. There are life lessons that you can learn in sports and in other activities and I just felt like being involved in a lot of different things was vital for my high school experience." But the hard work Hellegaard has put forth in her impressive high school career hasn't gone unnoticed or been unrewarding in the least bit. And Hellegaard has taken what she as achieved in high school and taken it to the next level, signing to play volleyball for the Carroll College Fighting Saints in Helena. Montana State University-Northern was also a major possibility with her former coach Bill Huebsch taking over the Skylight program last season. Minot State University, the University of Great Falls, Montana Tech and Rocky Mountain College were also in the running, but Carroll won over Hellegaard in a big way. "You always have to consider Northern just because it's a great school," Hellegaard said. "And especially with Bill (Huebsch) there because he is a great coach. "When I visited the Carroll campus I could just tell it wasn't just a school, the whole community was like a family and that had a really big appeal to me," Hellegaard added. "I was also a big fan of the coaching style of Moe (Boyle) (Carroll head volleyball coach) and it reminded me of what I personally liked. I felt like it was just a good fit for me and I felt like I really clicked with the team and that program especially." After what Hellegaard accomplished in high school, it was no wonder why there were so many schools waiting to hear where she would make her home for the next four years. In her freshman year, Hellegaard took part in basketball, choir, volleyball and track, but over the next three years would narrow her focus to just volleyball, track and choir. As a four-year varsity track star, Hellegaard has been fortunate enough to compete in the state meet all four seasons. She as also earned Academic All State honors all four years as well. And as a star on the volleyball court, Hellegaard has been even more impressive in her four-year run. As a sophomore she earned Honorable Mention All Conference honors. And as a junior and senior she earned Central A All- Conference as well as Class A All State honors. Hellegaard also led the Central A conference in kills her senior year. Hellegaard also participated in choir for the last four years, as well as competed in state events each year. With everything that Hellegaard juggled outside the classroom, her cumulative 4.0 GPA is that much more impressive. And with both book smarts and athletic ability, she should have no problem fitting into the Carroll College scene. While at Carroll, Hellegaard plans to earn a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with the possible minor in Special Education. And though it will require moving to a new college entirely, she has the ultimate goal of earning a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology. Grades are important, and Hellegaard knows that now more than ever. The average GPA for incoming students is a 3.51, and last year the average GPA for enrolled students came in right around 3.8. Hellegaard But she also plans on keeping her schedule full. Just last weekend in the midst of competing at the State Music Festival in Helena, Hellegaard tried out for the choir program at Carroll and is still awaiting whether she has made the cut or not. "My goal is to fit right into the standard they have set," Hellegaard said. "I am not giving up on singing quite yet, so I will probably be pretty busy between school, volleyball and hopefully choir." As a part of the Saints Hellegaard also has goals on the court she wants to achieve. She had a very dominant high school career individually, but is looking to have a very successful college career as a team. "I like winning," Hellegaard said. "And I think that's a big thing for the girls on the team. I know they want to finish at the top of the conference, and I would love to be able to take that conference title and be able to go to nationals. I know that is the goal in that program."