His feet tapped on the court as he stood nervously, right-left-right-left, waiting for his name to be called over the loud speaker.
Kalala knew this court by heart. He had been on it countless times, but this time was different. He stood beside an array of new teammates, wearing a new jersey, and the sport he was playing was completely new to him.
“I was anxious,” Kalala said. “I had so much adrenaline pumping in me. I was like ‘I’ve never played this sport in my life. I’ve only had five practices, and I’m about to play my first official game.’”
Subsequent to basketball season ending in March, Kalala began his search for a different activity to fill his time for the last part of his senior year.
During his search, Kalala was encouraged by numerous people to try out for volleyball. He built up the courage and tried out, later finding out he made it.
Since he has only known basketball for the entirety of his life, the transition to volleyball was rocky at first. Though the sport was new, Kalala quickly adjusted.
“I wouldn’t really say it was that hard because I’m an athlete…,” Kalala said. “I’ve (been) an athlete before, even being in basketball. I feel like I just try and listen to what the coach is telling me to do, and I apply that.”
Though the sports are very different, Kalala has found some similarities between the lines. The main similarity is the footwork of both sports.
Those similarities don’t overhaul the differences, Kalala had to adjust and learn the areas he wasn’t strongest in.
Along with the physical changes from basketball to volleyball, the environment is different too.
“In volleyball it’s more of a community (and) a family type of feeling,” Kalala said.
With the support of head coach Ethan Coffman, Kalala has improved not only his abilities but his confidence.
Though he only started a few months ago, Kalala has been doing exponentially well, improving more and more.
“But volleyball, it’s tough,” Coffman said. “It’s a hard game. It’s very specific and certain little skills. So he’s still working on some of those things, but he’s been awesome so far.”
Kalala not only makes a statistical impact on the team including 24 blocks and kills, but he also makes an emotional difference. He brings laughter to the team, always staying positive and lifting everyone’s spirits.
In addition to his team supporting him, his parents have been by his side through thick and thin, supporting all of his decisions.
“‘But if you just put your mind to it and you stay to it, you’ll be good.’ So that’s what they’ve (my parents) been telling me,” Kalala said.
Though he has found a new family and a new admiration for volleyball, Kalala will continue his goal to go to college for basketball.
As of now, the college he will be attending is undecided. Though he has a wide range of offers from numerous schools, he wants to keep his options open for the future.
“I like playing the sport. I like jumping. I like the teammates around me. I like that encouragement (and) all that family,” Kalala said. “But at the same time, I feel like I felt the same way in basketball and even better.”
Editors note: Senior James Kalala is no longer apart of SHS boys volleyball.
