Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Kelsey Williams, MSU-N Volleyball

Montana State University-Northern outside hitter Kelsey Williams is just a junior, but she's already been around the block a time or two when it comes to Frontier Conference volleyball.

Williams transferred to Northern last season from Lewis-Clark State, though she is a native Montanan. She was the 2009 Montana Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, and was a force for the Helena High Bengals. She was also a standout on the basketball court and in track and field, but her volleyball prowess has taken her on quite the journey, first to Lewiston, Idaho, and now to Havre.

And though she's not yet reached her senior season, Williams has been a driving force in the steady improvement of the MSU-N program. She's a natural leader, as well as an excellent all-around player. So far in 2012, Williams has already totaled 123 kills and 93 digs, both of which are second-best on the Skylight team.

And as she prepares to face her hometown school (Carroll College) in Saturday night's Frontier Conference opener, Williams' outlook on what her team can accomplish this season is sky high.

Here's five questions with the Helena native who's now turned into a Skylight star.

HDN: The Skylights are off to a strong start again. What's your take on how you guys are playing so far?

Williams: "I think we're playing really well for how early it is. This team has really clicked so we were really excited for the season to start. And so far it's gone really well. I'm really excited for Saturday night."

HDN: The Skylights make their home debut Saturday against Carroll. You're from Helena. How is that for you when you play the Saints?

Williams: "There's more of my family and friends that get to come watch me when we play them (Saints) in Helena. But it doesn't matter where we play them, they are one of our biggest rivals. I grew up a fan of Carroll, but now they are a big rival for me and it would be great to go out and beat them on Saturday night."

HDN: What were the biggest factors in you deciding to transfer to Northern from LC State?

Williams: "When I decided to transfer, I wanted to be closer to home, to be back in Montana. But I didn't necessarily want to go back to Helena. I wanted to get out and experience different things and different places and Northern just seemed like the right place for me. And I'm really happy with that decision. It was a really good choice for me."

HDN: There is a beach party theme for Saturday night's match against the Saints. Have you had a chance to play much beach volleyball?

Williams: "I haven't had the opportunity to play beach volleyball at all actually. Some of my teammates from California have and they love the sport. And watching it in the Olympics, it's an awesome sport and I'd love to try it. I think the beach party theme for our matches is awesome though. I think it's going to draw a lot of people to come watch us on Saturday night. It's a great idea."

HDN: With how much you guys improved last season, what's the outlook for this year?

Williams: "Being that we're more of a veteran team now, we have higher goals. And with all the experience we have, and the fact this team has clicked so well, we expect this season to great. So I'm really excited about this season."

Montana State University-Northern's Kelsey Williams sets a ball during a Frontier Conference volleyball match last fall in Havre. Williams has been a catalyst for the improving Skylights since she transferred to Northern last fall. The Skylights begin open the Frontier Conference season, and their home schedule Saturday night at 5 against Carroll College.