By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

From the sideline, Mogadore volleyball coach Jessica Butler sees the same thing everyone else does.

The explosive jumps.

The strong and confident approaches.

The dynamic court presence.

And the elite athleticism.

It just so happens that Butler gets a front-row seat every game to watch senior standout Kaitlyn Clester.

And it is exciting.

For many different reasons.

“On the court, Kaitlyn is always willing to be a versatile player and do whatever is best for the team,” Butler said. “She isn’t afraid to step into different roles, take on new challenges or adjust when her team needs her.

“Her willingness to put the team first makes her a valuable teammate and leader,” Butler added. “She understands that success is not always about individual accomplishments, but about doing whatever it takes to help the entire team succeed.”

In Clester’s case, both are happening.

Individually, Clester is among the Portage County leaders across all statistical categories, including service points (33), service receptions (36), digs (43), blocks (11) and kills (44).

All while helping lead the independent Wildcats to a 5-1 record, while losing only five sets for the entire season to this point.

Clester’s volleyball path started back when she actually didn’t know anything about the sport.

It was sixth grade, during recess, with a friend.

That’s all it took.

“My friend, Daniella, would bring a volleyball every day, and we would play outside during recess,” Clester said. “I remember her telling me that she thought I was good and that I would be a good setter.

“I had never played volleyball in my life, but Daniella was a hitter, so she would have me set for her to help her practice, so I just started doing that,” Clester added.

A year later, as a seventh-grader, Clester tried out for for the Mogadore Junior High team and it didn’t take long of her to fall in love with the sport.

Just as quickly, she proved she could play all the way around at an above-average ability — even after not being introduced to middle-hitting until her freshman year.

Clester has continued to excel in those ways, but she has also emerged as a genuine leader off the court, as well, which is something Butler is equally proud of.

“Off the court, Kaitlyn continues to demonstrate the same commitment to the sport. She gives back to the younger generation of players,” the Wilcats’ coach said. “She helps with the youth volleyball camps and with the middle-school program, by sharing her knowledge, experience and love of the game.

“Whether she is helping them develop their skills, encouraging them through a challenging drill or simply being someone they can look up to, Katilyn is making a positive impact on the young players,” Butler added. “Her willingness to give her time and help others become better volleyball players reflects the kind of teammate, leader and role model she is on and off the court.”

Clester has placed a value on being sincerely available to the younger players, because she remembers what it was like to be that younger player.

Watching a player with explosive jumps, strong and confident approaches, all with a dynamic court presence and elite athleticism.