After sitting out the majority of the 2011 volleyball season due to injury, junior right-side hitter Colleen King is aiming to make up for lost time.

In the fourth game of her sophomore season, King sprained her ankle, resulting in a six week absence which caused her to miss a total of 14 games.

“It was a really big bummer for me, but we’ve had so many injuries on our team that I didn’t feel like I could really complain,” said King. “I just tried to work really hard and not let it get me down and keep supporting everyone.”

This time around, King is supporting her team in more ways than one. Fourteen games into the season, King is already leading her team in attacks by kill and ranks second in blocks.

“Looking at what she’s done statistically this year compared to years past, she’s become a much more offensive player,” said head coach Jesse Mahoney. “I think she’s much more confident on the floor and she’s turning into a leader for this team.”

The confidence she’s gained is an asset to her team and their goals for the season, according to King.

“Our expectations are a lot higher this year, so we’re not satisfied with being mediocre anymore. We are really trying to work up to our potential,” said King.

The team’s overall record is currently 8-7, with 14 games remaining in the regular season. They’re focusing on taking things one game at a time and becoming the best they can be.

“We’re looking to gain some consistency and build on that, but the potential for this team is there,” said Mahoney. “I think we’re going to get better as the season goes on.”

King said she feels the same way when it comes to her own potential as a player.

“I think it’s important to never be satisfied, so I keep trying to push myself,” said King.

That mentality is what contributes to her ability to lead her team and also learn from them.

“I think the more comfortable she gets in her role, the larger it’s going to become,” said Mahoney. “She’s a leader for the team now, but she’ll definitely be a leader in her senior year.”

As for her senior year and what’s to come afterward, King is already giving it some thought. The possibility of combining her passion for volleyball with her desire to travel is something she’s considering.

“I’m going to try to study abroad the winter quarter of my senior year, after my final season, and maybe even try to play volleyball abroad,” said King.

Whatever path she chooses, Mahoney is confident in her abilities, both as a player and a person.

“That’s the great thing about Colleen; she’s a smart kid and she’s a great athlete, and she can do a lot of things,” said Mahoney. “The future is bright for her and she’s only going to get better. I wish she was younger; I wish we had her for a couple more years.”

For now, Mahoney and the rest of King’s teammates are taking advantage of her skills and leadership for the remaining time she has as a Pioneer.