Young team looks to 5th-year senior for leadership

Whether it is on the volleyball court, in the classroom or at home, fifth-year senior Katie Pollom sets the example. The 6-foot-3 middle blocker from Indianapolis proves her strength on IU's volleyball squad by standing out above the rest as a leader and friend. IU coach Katie Weismiller has known Pollom for six years, when she first began recruiting her.\n"For as long as I've known Katie we've had a great relationship, and I have a lot of respect for her," Weismiller said. "She's a motivator, a great leader and a great friend to everyone."\nAfter serving the two previous years as captain, Pollom shares her leadership role with sophomore Sara Diehl this year. Leadership is nothing new to Pollom. As president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and a volunteer youth volleyball coach she has the opportunity to commit to the community and do what she loves most -- help people. \n"I feel very fortunate to be a part of these things." Pollom said. "It gives me the opportunity to connect to administrators and interact with people around the community."\nAs the oldest of five children, Pollom feels she is always being looked up to. \n"I've always felt it was my responsibility to set the example for my family," Pollom said. "I try to bring my (teammates) together on and off the court so we can be closer."\nAcademically, Pollom holds a 3.6 grade point average and has been on the Academic All-Big Ten team twice. Good friend and teammate sophomore Anne Grabow said she feels Pollom's drive for success is critical to everything she does. \n"Katie pushes us to want to be better by just being herself and always being there," Grabow said.\nAlong with her academics, Pollom has a huge impact on the court. Last year, she led the team with 25 solo blocks and was second on the team with 84 block assists.\nPollom's number one inspiration to strive for the best is her faith in God. \n"With my faith, family and friends I can keep my eye on my ultimate goal," Pollom said. \nAfter college she wants to either join the medical field or apply for "Teach for America," an organization that sends teachers to underprivileged areas to allow better academic opportunities for children, but for now Pollom is focused on taking her team as far as possible in her last year of eligibility at IU. \n"(Katie) knows she has one more opportunity to make this her best year at Indiana," coach Weismiller said. "She is a great person, really cares about people and is just a well-rounded individual for all of Indiana University."\n-- Contact staff writer Ricardo Hernandez at rihernan@indiana.edu.