Kyra Banko '16 Recruiting Profile

In addition to my NCSA profile, please visit my website, www.kyravolleyball.com to learn more about me.

Growing up with 3 athletic brothers and 2 parents that played sports at the Division 1 level, I learned at an early age to hold my own and learn to compete. I am a driven and tenacious athlete who has been playing sports since I was 4 years old.  I've tried it all, soccer, softball, track, basketball, tennis, even baseball, but once I found volleyball, it became my passion.  I know I have what it takes to play volleyball at the Division I level.  My goal is to be a starter as a freshman and become an impact player and integral part of a winning team.  

I am a 6-rotation, go-to OH1 on both my club and high school teams and I'm extremely competitive and consistent in my game.  I'm also a strong defensive player; my goal on defense is to pass at a better percentage than our libero.  On the court, I'm very focused and always willing to put in the hard work to improve my game.  I'm not one of those girls who's just a great practice player, pressure has nothing over me and I'm a teammate you can always count on to deliver and make the play.  I may not be the loudest or most animated player on the court but when I'm out there, I play to win and you can see it in my face.

I'm excited to be part of the San Gabriel Elite Volleyball Club again this year on the 17 Roshambo team.  Our team is stronger and more determined than last year and we are ready to compete for another national bid and get to New Orleans.

I'm in my junior year at Village Christian HS and we finished 36-4, going undefeated in the Olympic League, CIF SS Div 2AA Runner Up CIF State SoCal Region Runner Up.  In the playoff  and state run, I led the team with 122 kills, 91 digs and 29 aces.  I can honestly say when my knees healed up and when the competition got tougher, I played harder and was the spark that kept our team alive, even though I played with a stress fracture in my foot. Throughout the season I've been that consistent player that my teammates and coaches can depend on.  I was named All CIF Southern Section Division 2AA, 1st Team All League, the Saugus Tournament MVP and selected to the All Tournament Team and the Los Osos All Tournament Team.  On September 23rd, 2014, I had surgery on both my knees to remove the plica membranes.  I wanted to wait until after high school and before club but I couldn't take the pain anymore. My doctor told me if I was aggressive with physical therapy, I could return to the court in 2-4 weeks.  I was determined and I worked hard everyday at p/t.  I was back on the court for a big league game 16 days after my surgery only hours after my doctor released me.  I was afraid to jump and dive at first but after a few plays, I knew what I had to do.  I'm happy to say that my knees feel great and I'm back and pain free.  

I was recently notified that I was selected to for the United World Games 2015 USA Select Team that will compete in Austria this summer but I know the smarter decision would be to attend summer camps at some Division schools.

The Village Christian Head of Schools selected me as a 2014 Ags and Kojo Scholarship recipient. Those who demonstrate hard work, diligence and an ability to overcome obstacles to excel in the classroom, in athletics, at school and in their character development are selected for this prestigious award.

This past summer, I was one of twelve girls representing Southern California at the 10th Annual European Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia, where I was selected as one of the team's co-captains on the U17 team.

I had a great club year with San Gabriel Elite 16 Roshambo where I was one of the two captains leading the team.  We finished 28th at JO's in the Open Division.

As a sophomore, I helped lead my high school team to the CIF Div 2A Quarter Finals and I was the first player unanimously selected to the First Team All League.  I was listed among the top 10 in kills, hitting, digs, aces and blocks in the MaxPreps' California Southern Section 2A OH leader boards, even after I had to sit out 30 days because of transferring schools.  I was also selected to and participated in the 2013 ACVA Phenom Program, received PrepVolleyball Soph 79 High Honorable Mention, was a NCSAA Far West Super Regional Recipient and selected for the USA HP A2 team.

If given the chance, I will give you everything I have to make the team a success.  I always have been and always will be that player that coaches and teammates can put their trust in and depend on.