OCR Text |
Show With cheerleading Cottle suffers close c all Except for a frustrated attempt by Michelle Cottle to become a seventh grade cheerleader, Southern Utah State College might be without a very promising volleyball player. "I'm not sure I can say that I'm happy about not making it as a cheerleader," Michelle says. "But I can honestly say that I'm glad I got involved in athletics and that I probably wouldn't be in athletics if I had become a cheerleader." Michelle, a member of the 3-A state championship cham-pionship volleyball team from Woods Cross last year, was discovered by SUSC's Joy Peterson, coach of the Thunderbird volleyball squad. Already Michelle has earned a spot as a starter and helped SUSC, the defending Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference champion, to a fast season start. Athletic ability runs in the family. Michelle's uncle Alan Cottle, was a standout basketball player for Westminster College. She is the Daughter of Marlene and Bob Barnett, of Bountiful. "I wasn't really recognized as an 'outstanding' 'out-standing' player at Woods Cross, but Coach Peterson must have seen something she liked," Michelle says. "Actually it wasn't until our second week of competition, when it was pretty sure that I'd be starting a lot of the time, that I gained any confidence in myself. Before then-even in high school--I wasn't really convinced that I was a 'good' player. In additon to volleyball, Michelle and friend, Becky Peterson, also from Woods Cross High School, plan to try out for the SUSC women's basketball team. "When I didn't make cheerleader, I really wanted to get involved in some extracurricular activity," Michelle explains, ex-plains, "that's when I decided to try sports. I've been involved ever since." sin-ce." Coach Peterson describes Michelle as a good all-around player who can do several things on the court to help the team. "She's a good hitter, she can set, she likes to bump, and she plays good defense," Peterson says. "I like the game best when the game action makes me move, when things are happening fast," Michelle says. I feel great about making the team, it's been a goal for me to be able to play and to learn. Now I'm doing both". Academically, Michelle is an A-minus student. She has yet to select a major. "I want to try a lot of things to see what there is and to see what I like best." High on her current list of probable majors and minors are art and physical education. "We have good team spirit, and there is good team unity. I'm having lots of fun and my self confidence has really been boosted," Michelle said. |