EDITOR’S NOTE: The Atlanta A5 Volleyball Club features more than 300 athletes, including several which are part of national qualifying teams. The following is Part 3 in a series of features about the A5 players who also compete in DeKalb County during the school season.

The role of team jokester may belong to Kate Connolly for the 14-Karen team of the Atlanta A5 Volleyball Club.According to assistant coach Lauren Buss, a Marist grad, Connolly knows how to keep practices and matches fun.

“She is possibly one of the funniest people I have every talked to,” Buss said. “She is really goofy and doesn’t take life too seriously. That is really a good approach and she is a joy to be around all the time.”

Buss said Connolly’s attitude meshes well with her teammates.

“She knows how to keep the mood light,” Buss said. “She is a good leader out there on the court. She has the best attitude on the court. She is a good person to have around.”

Buss played with Connolly’s older sister, Meghan Connolly, in her time at Marist.

“I have known her family for a long time and I have seen her grow as a player,” Buss said. “Where she is now compared to last year is unbelievable. She has grown so much and she has come such a long way. I can’t wait to see where she is in five years.”

Buss said on the court, Connolly is a versatile player, but she is mainly starting at middle blocker for her team.“I could really put her anywhere on the court in the front row and she would do well,” Buss said.

Connolly said she has enjoyed the A5 experience for one reason.

“I really enjoy the togetherness,” she said. “We do a lot of bonding things and I have become really close to everyone on my team.”

Connolly said the opportunity to compete yearround with A5 has fueled her competitive nature.

“I really like the competitive atmosphere here,” Connolly said. “It has been really fun playing with A5.”