Cleared For Takeoff: Kelsey Kaufmann, Arlington

by Kolbe Nelson
November 21, 2011 6:47 PM


When people watch Arlington's Kelsey Kaufmann, most think the same thing: how does she float through the air the way she does?

"I guess I just got hops," Kaufmann says with a laugh, "I don't know. A lot of people tell me that and I think I got it from my mom so that's pretty awesome."

"She has some great ups and she is a state champion high jumper and you can tell that when she's out there on the floor." Head Coach Anita Boeck said.

Although they may steal the show, there is more to Kaufmann than just her Air Jordan like abilities that make her a great volleyball player.

"Kelsey brings a lot of good energy and competitiveness to our team and really helps push the other girls to their full potential and does a really good job." Teammate Lanny Gross said.

She's versatile too.

"She does some really nice things out on the floor," Boeck said, "Not only can she play the front row, but it's nice to be able to have her play some back row for us too."

All that has helped her to earn a spot on Augustana's volleyball team for next year. Kaufmann won't be the only Cardinal playing at the collegiate level in 2012, Gross will be at Northwestern next season. Together the two seniors did things Arlington fans won't soon forget.

"Me and Kelsey have been playing together for a long time now," Gross said, "And we've really been able to work well and bounce off each other's energy and really push each other."

If Kaufmann can keep those great ups working, her teammates at Augie may soon be saying the same thing.

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