Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Kaylie Gilman

Kaylie Gilman is a former Havre High Blue Pony. She was on the verge of being a Pony standout on the basketball court, volleyball court, and on the track in Havre, but wound up being a standout for the Big Sandy Pioneers instead.

Gilman attended Havre High her freshman and sophomore years, but transferred to Big Sandy where’s she found a home with the Pioneers.

Gilman is in her final year of an already standout career with the Pioneers. She is a post player on the basketball court, and a solid hitter and blocker for the Pioneers’ volleyball program. Gilman is also a state-level competitor on the track and field team as a member of the long relay team and a high jumper.

The 2013 volleyball season is already underway, but Gilman should shine once again in all three sports. She has even claimed two team awards, being named Best Blocker in volleyball and Most Improved on the track team. Certainly, she’s one of the premier volleyball players in the 6C East and is off to a strong start to her last volleyball season. And if her prep career is a preview for things to come, Gilman could also take a shot at college athletics, where she wants to study criminal justice.

Here are five questions with Gilman as she and the powerful Pioneers march through the volleyball season with state tournament aspirations.

HDN: What kind of volleyball season should Big Sandy fans expect this year?

Gilman: “I think we are going to be solid. We have a good bench so we can rotate anybody in and they can still get the job done. We have strong servers and great passers, and really a whole team that knows what they are doing. We have all been playing together for so long, we know each other’s style and we can trust that somebody is going to get the ball.”

HDN: What has the transition been like going from Class A athletics to Class C athletics?

Gilman: “It is definitely different. I think Class C is more physical and intense, where as Class A was more focused on the technique. In Class C you just go for it, but there was a transition. I think the move was definitely worth it, and I like that we all know each other. We are all friends and know everybody that we play really well.”

HDN: Basketball or volleyball season, what is the worst road trip on the schedule?

Gilman: “I really don’t like going to Hays because it is really far away and it is in the middle of nowhere.”

HDN: What kind of satisfaction or feeling does it give you to get a dominating kill during a match?

Gilman: “It definitely feels good. It is kind of like the other team is your enemy and you get the chance to just crush it in their face. It is very satisfying, and I think it is because everything leads up to it. You have to have a pass then a set, and then you just crush it.”

HDN: Do you see yourself attempting to take your athletic career to the collegiate level?

Gilman: “Yeah, kind of. I am just trying to focus on improving right now, and I will wait to hear.”