Karter White 

Karter White, senior and Lincoln volleyball setter. Photo Credit: Lyndsey Photography

There are many talented athletes here at Lincoln Prep. One of them is Karter White, a Senior, and Early College Academy Student. She plays volleyball and does track and field, here at the school. White shared her accomplishments, what it means to be a student-athlete, and how that has shaped her into the person she is now. 

White started playing volleyball in seventh grade.

“Funny enough, I became familiar with the sport the day I decided to go to tryouts," White said. "I decided to try out for the school team because my friends were.” 

Along with volleyball, she also does track. White always knew she was a pretty good runner and had speed. She ran track at the age of five and six and it turned out to be a success. So, in 7th grade she joined the team for fun with her friend. 

“I initially ran for fun and enjoyed spending time with my amazing teammates. As I continued to run I realized that I was good,” White said.

Now that she has started these sports all she had space for was to improve and she did just that with many accomplishments. White's greatest accomplishment in volleyball was winning most valuable player, during her junior year, and this wasn’t just handed to her. White went to all-state for track and was able to medal in both her sophomore and junior year. 

“Being able to be among the best athletes in the state and still be up on the podium is a great feeling,” White said. 

Someone who knows her skill the most is the head volleyball Coach, Jasmine Brooks. White's main position is being a setter which takes speed and technique. She is the only person that has to touch the ball every play. 

“Setting can be a challenge because it requires technical and tactical skills - but Karter does it effortlessly and with due diligence,” Brooks said.

But to be the most valuable player doesn’t just take skill, it also takes character and attitude. That is exactly what White has. According to her Coach, she has mental fortitude, leadership, patience, and enthusiasm. 

“But the beautiful thing is, encouragement is natural for Karter to do, no one has to make her. She will encourage all players - that includes C Team and JV,” Brooks said. “Although she’s a great student-athlete, who she is as a PERSON is even better. Her uplifting attitude, team spirit, and sportsmanship make it a joy to have Karter part of Lincoln Volleyball.”

 Looking at her energy and her interaction with her team really does reflect all of these qualities as an athlete. Coach Brooks isn’t the only one who loves White on the court. Her teammate Emaline Anderson, Senior, said that she is someone she looks up to and loves spending time with.

 “Playing with Karter is super entertaining, she is such a good player, and it’s so fun to see her in action. Karter is a great teammate and gives advice that makes me a great player,” Anderson said.

 However, at Lincoln, it isn't just about the sport, it is about finding balance. White said that to be a student athlete you need to prioritize school because that is what allows you to play and be a good athlete. Although it isn’t easy you need to be intentional with your time and it requires balance and discipline.

 “When it’s time to study, be 100% present, when it’s time to get reps and work, be 100% present,” White said.

Along the way, it will also teach you lots of things about yourself and it will have ups and downs. “Understand the work it takes to achieve certain goals. It’s also taught me to not value myself based on my performance as an athlete,” White said. “It has taught me good leadership, good sportsmanship, unity, sisterhood, etc. It has helped me become who I am today and continues to mold me into a better human.”

As a student at Lincoln and an ECA student, White doesn’t spend much time in the building so she thinks that playing a sport is important because it helps you build relationships. For her and many when they enter ECA. They are afraid of missing out but being involved in sports and clubs brings you close to the school. 

“ I chose to be an athlete because I love being active, but I also loved Lincoln’s culture. It always looked fun and engaging so I’ve always known I wanted to create my own experiences whether it was volleyball, soccer, track, cheer, or anything,” White said. 

These sports have helped her create high school memories, the things every adult remembers. They remember the days they spent in school and the culture with them. For White, her favorite memory comes from these sports and involvement in the school.

 “My favorite memory for volleyball is the rap battle Emaline and I had on the bus home from a volleyball game. The packed bus was full of energy and we all were having a great time,” she said. “The state trip junior year. State is a two-day meet so we stayed overnight in Jefferson City. Our team hung out in all of our downtime. We tried to enjoy ourselves. I’ve made great memories so with so many great people, I will forever cherish the people I grew and experienced my journey with.” 

White didn’t do this all alone; she had a lot of people that were there to support her. These people and coaches have pushed her to her best version and they genuinely care for her in and out of sports. 

“I thank God for the things I’ve been blessed with. My parents and sisters have always been my biggest supporter no matter the level I play,” White said. My God family and aunts are also extremely supportive. The coaches that have supported me through it all are Coach Blake, Coach Brooks, Coach Zoda, Coach Jiles, and Coach C.”