Brianna Karsseboom-Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland – Volleyball

With the disappointment of 2011 in its rearview mirror, the Bishop O’Dowd girls volleyball team is in the fast lane to a deep postseason run in 2012. One of its leaders is Karsseboom who helped guide them to winning the top prize at the Deer Valley Invitational tournament on Sept. 8 — which boasted a 16-team field loaded with defending champions and expected playoff teams. They let everybody else know they’ll be ready this go-round.

With the disappointment of 2011 in its rearview mirror, the Bishop O’Dowd girls volleyball team is in the fast lane to a deep postseason run in 2012. One of its leaders is Karsseboom who helped guide them to winning the top prize at the Deer Valley Invitational tournament on Sept. 8 — which boasted a 16-team field loaded with defending champions and expected playoff teams. They let everybody else know they’ll be ready this go-round.

SportStars Magazine: How did it feel dominating this tourney?

Brianna Karseboom: We really were just determined to win. The first couple games,  it took us a while to get into a groove. … The chemistry on the court was great. 

SSM: What was your favorite moment? 

BK: The last match, the last game was really intense. A lot of high competition. We pulled through in the last point.

SSM: Your season abruptly ended in the NCS quarterfinals last year. What did you and your teammates learn from that experience? 

BK: We knew we lost a couple good seniors. We had to fight hard to get better this year. We have the mindset to go farther this year than last year. At practice we’re always focused.

SSM: Where do you fit in being just a sophomore?

BK: I do try to be a leader even though i’m the youngest. My team also helps me. I knew this year I’d have to step it up knowing the seniors were leaving. 

BRIANNA’S QUICK HITS

Favorite class: Biology

Favorite athlete: Logan Tom

Favorite Starbucks item: Caramel Macchiato

Honorable Mention

Jamirr Holland — The Foothill-Pleasanton running back rushed for 114 yards and had two touchdowns in a 35-21 win over Las Lomas on Sept. 7.

Sabrina Clayton — The California-San Ramon senior had 80 kills and 42 digs at the Deer Valley volleyball tournament Sept. 8. 

Warren Miles Long — The James Logan running back rushed for a 4-yard TD and returned an interception for a 42-yard touchdown as the Colts blanked SRV 35-0 on Sept. 7.