She’s one of the best volleyball players in Southern California, a starter for the Cougar’s varsity team, and an all around star athlete. She’s also the lead in the school musical. You see, Lyric Kelly is a student who consistently defies the expectations set on her. She is a direct contradiction to the idea that star athletes, those who are at the top of their sport, can’t do anything else.
Kelly had what many would consider a late start to her volleyball career. Starting at the age of 14, her love of volleyball led her to try out for the school’s team.
“My freshman year, I tried out for my school’s volleyball team and ended up making frosh! I was so inspired by the varsity girls from my school and wanted to be just like them.” Kelly said. And true to her words, she quickly got on the same playing field as those varsity girls she idolized so much, making the varsity team in just her sophomore year, only one year after her introduction to the sport.
Unlike her eventual love for volleyball though, Kelly’s adoration for theater was ingrained in her from a young age.
(Maddy Armstrong)
“I was introduced to theatre at such a young age. My mom really enjoyed the movie Hairspray, and when I was 4 she showed it to me. I fell in love. Over the years I started to involve myself in different camps, clubs, and productions and never stopped loving the stage.” Kelly said.
Since becoming a Cougar, Kelly has been a part of 4 productions, and was a standout part of each.
“I casted Lyric in one of the lead roles because of her willingness to push herself as an actress and her unabashed performance ability,” said Mr. James Loudermild, RCHS’s drama director. “It has been a pleasure to work with Lyric.”
And that quality isn’t unique to Drama. Beyond her talent, Kelly is characterized by her unwavering commitment to hard work.
“In addition to being a talented and skillful player, Lyric is not afraid to work hard. Having athletes who are willing to be uncomfortable in order to grow is very important at the varsity level,” Mrs. Johnstone, the varsity volleyball coach, said.
But even for someone of Lyric’s caliber, that balance can be hard to maintain. With athletes often being expected to practice multiple times a day along with maintaining good grades, the addition of a full drama career on top of that already full schedule is no small endeavor.
“I try to keep a good schedule, and make sure I have enough time to cater to both of my passions. It is hard at times, and there’s sacrifices for both–but overall I am able to balance both and have fun.” Kelly said.
Having been named the Publicist of RCHS’s Drama department, having lead roles in musicals her sophomore and junior years, and being a major part of the first RCHS girls volleyball team to make it to state, Lyric’s accomplishments directly correlate to the momentous work she has put into her passions.
Having recently committed to play division 1 volleyball at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Kelly plans to continue her career at the highest level, citing her experiences in high school as a major driving force to her success.
“I am so blessed to be a part of such great programs and around such beautiful people that help me stay positive and inspired to keep going!”
