Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Grace Kreutz, Loyola Academy volleyball

Grace Kreutz is a senior outside hitter who has helped the Ramblers to a school record for wins (32) this season. She had 21 kills in a sectional win against Glenbrook North and will compete with Miami (Ohio) University next season.

1. Do you have any prematch rituals or superstitions?

Yes. We do stuff with our team before the game that is a secret, but I also wear a ribbon in my hair every game. It’s a calming thing. I like it. It makes me feel like I’m going to win. If I don’t wear it, I don’t feel safe about that.

2. Why is Miami of Ohio a good fit for you?

Coach Dan Gwitt was really eager and excited to talk to me and that made me feel excited about the school. I loved it there and loved the program. A couple of my friends from club (volleyball) also committed there, so I felt it was a good place.

3. When did you get serious about volleyball?

I started playing club in eighth grade. I played basketball and volleyball, but there was no school basketball because of COVID, so I ended up playing club volleyball — and I wasn’t very good. I tried out for the golf team and volleyball team in high school, made both and ended up picking volleyball. I played JV and moved up to varsity as a freshman. That was a turning point for me. My parents didn’t want me to play club; they wanted me to play basketball freshman year, but begged them to try out and I did.

4. If you could try another sport, what would it be?

Definitely lacrosse. A few of my friends play it and it seems interesting, and we’re pretty good at it at Loyola. My sisters play it too.

5. With six kids (3 boys, 3 girls), how competitive is it in your household?

I would definitely say competitive. We played a lot of backyard tennis, which we called ‘bennis’ — baseball-tennis. My siblings and I are very competitive. Me and my sisters and brothers, we really like to compete; it’s kind of in our nature.

6. What is your favorite thing to do off the court?

I really enjoy watching film. I really just love everything about volleyball. But I also like to paint with my sisters, do crafts with them. Hang out with my friends. My day right now though mostly revolves around volleyball. If we have a game, watching film of the other team and getting ready.

7. What is your dream job?

Sports broadcaster, like a sideline reporter for football. I feel like I’m most knowledgable — other than volleyball — about football. I see all the ladies interview head coaches (on TV). It would be cool to have that job and talk to those high-level people.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Definitely a Hershey’s bar — my favorite chocolate — and I really like Dr. Pepper, if that is anywhere, I’ll probably get it.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I really like Harry Potter. It is one of my favorite things to watch with my sisters. We’re just really into it.

10. What has been key to this team’s record season?

I definitely think this team is really good at playing together, picking each other up, trusting each other. We’re good at coming together and playing as a team. We might not be the biggest, strongest team out there, but we know when to come together and play as a team.

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