A team is dynamic, and it needs not only a star, but a leader as well. The Vaquero women’s volleyball team has both in Kristen Schwarze.
The 5’6” sophomore standout has proven talent, winning last years team MVP, and head coach Ed Gover believes she poses great leadership skills as well.
“She is a leader by nature,” Gover said. “I never have to worry about her.”
The Napa native, who has played almost every position for City College, gained much of her athletic knowledge from her volleyball idol; who happens to be her Mom.
“My Mom plays volleyball and when I was a kid she would take me to her tournaments,” Schwarze said.
Schwarze, a self-described easy-going girl, has realistic goals for this year’s team.
“I want us to continue playing together as a team and just have fun,” she said.
Though she grew up in Napa wine country, there is no whine in her game. According to Gover, it’s just the opposite.
“Kristen is an extremely positive person,” Gover said. “She has the ability to listen and to take in info to try to become a better player.”
Though Schwarze has been playing volleyball since the fifth grade and has always wanted to play at a collegiate level, she also understands there is a lot of life after volleyball and is unsure if she will continue to play at a four-year university.
“I am seeing where I go to school for my major first and then see if I could play volleyball there,” Schwarze said.
Schwarze, who sees herself possibly as an elementary school teacher and holding a real-estate license in 10 years, also excels in other sports. She enjoys wakeboarding and can do a back flip.
“I love to wakeboard,” Schwarze said. “I just like to do things that are more active.”
However, when it comes to summing up Kristen Schwarze, Gover says it best.
“She lives what she is,” he said. “She is just a leader.”