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Father inspires on the court
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When competing at a high level like college athletes do, inspirations keep the fire going as they battle through long and tough seasons. Some draw their inspiration from the prospect of turning pro, some from a life-changing moment or family member. Mandy Klein, a setter on the Boise State volleyball team, falls into the category of family. She credits her inspiration for the way she plays and lives to her quadriplegic father.
Klein is a local athlete who graduated from nearby Timberline High School. Her talent on the court as well as being recognized as the 2004 Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year was enough for Boise State to put her on the recruiting list.
Now Klein is a senior with a solid career at Boise State. Klein wasted no time getting playing time as she started at setter for the Broncos as a true freshman. Klein’s sophomore and junior years saw her play in every game of those two seasons. This year, Klein has started every game while leading the team
in assists.
“Personally, I feel like I have achieved what I could and I have finally gotten to the point to where I want to be,” Klein said. “It’s been a lot fun.”
Klein’s inspirational story begins in 2003 when her father, Randy was in a water skiing accident. He broke his neck above the shoulders, causing him to become a quadriplegic.
“It’s was a big deal because he’s always been somebody who is very supportive of me,” Klein said. “He’s been someone who would force me to go out and practice when I didn’t want to.”
Even with the accident and Klein’s hectic schedule, her dad is still there for her.
“He is still a huge part of my life, he supports me a 100 percent and is always there for me,” Klein said. “He is an awesome person and has been an inspiration to me. Even though you have hard trials, you can always overcome them.”
When the accident happened, Klein didn’t stop playing volleyball, but changed the focus to how she plays. For her it was more about rededication for what she plays for.
“My motivations are instead of just trying to win but trying to be your best, Klein said. “[The] motivation for me was to keep going and to keep playing as hard as I can.”
Even while being in a wheel chair, Klein’s father makes it to every home game to support his daughter and her teammates.
“He gets there as much as he can and supports us as much as he can,” Klein said. “He wouldn’t miss a game if it killed him.”
The inspiration Klein receives from her father goes deeper than just on the court. He inspires her in her day-to-day life as well.
“It’s reinforcement that bad things are going to happen to good people,” Klein said. “You can overcome those trials so that they will make you stronger.”
JOEY MCCULLOUGH
Arbiter Journalist
