Monday, 6/9/97 Kim Krull Women’s volleyball
Kim Krull is trading in her volleyball shoes and kneepads for a
pair of sunglasses and thongs after graduation. The former UCLA
middle blocker will be pursuing a career on the beach this summer.
When Krull graduated from high school, she knew she was going to
California to play collegiate volleyball at UCLA. As one of the top
prep players in the nation, the Indiana native joined a UCLA class
that included setter Kelly Flannigan and outside hitter Tanisha
Larkin. The six-foot middle blocker won a starting spot her
freshman year. Krull tallied 339 kills, 143 blocks, and 224 digs en
route to being named Volleyball Monthly’s Freshman of the Year. As
a sophomore, Krull led the Bruins to UCLA’s only championship
appearance in the last four seasons. In her last two years, the
Bruins did not fare as well as she had hoped, but Krull has no
regrets about becoming a Bruin. "I had a lot of fun playing here,"
Krull said. "I loved this school. I loved everything about being
here." Her collegiate career may not have ended the way that she
had hoped, but Krull maintains her optimism as she explores a new
adventure. Krull has been spending most days at the beach playing
pick-up games to hone her skills and find her sand legs. "I’m just
starting to play on the beach, and I’m not very good," Krull said.
"I figure if I keep playing, I’ll eventually get it. I think I’ll
be able to do fairly well." Krull has not decided whether she will
play in a league or if she will stay local and play in amateur
tournaments. If she decides to play in a league, then Krull will
have two leagues to choose from: the Women’s Professional
Volleyball Association (WPVA) and the league sponsored by the
Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB). Competing in either
of the professional leagues would be costly, which is why she may
just play locally. "I’m not really nervous to do it, but I kind of
feel bad because it’s a lot of money," Krull continued. "And my
parents are willing to pay, and I would just feel bad losing their
money." Her plans for the summer may not be written in stone, but
she knows that she will be spending her summer on the beach. After
her vacation, Krull is just as uncertain about the summer as she is
about the upcoming year. Instead of returning to school, Krull may
opt to play in Europe. Krull knows that whatever path she chooses,
volleyball will be involved. By Grace Wen, Daily Bruin Senior
Staff. Kim Krull