By Julianna Gonzalez Posted December 7, 2017
After four years of hard work and dedication on the court, volleyball and basketball player Kepa Bengochea wraps up her final year of high school sports this winter.
This student-athlete started sports at a young age. Kepa first started city league basketball in third grade. Her dad coached her on a travel team for 3-4 years before junior high basketball. Also, before Junior High volleyball, Kepa already had experience with the sport since she joined a club volleyball team in fourth grade. Kepa also played AYSO soccer for two years.
Even though Kepa did experience other sports, she ended up focusing on volleyball and basketball.
“My dad really pushed me into the game of basketball,” said Bengochea. “He definitely pointed me in that direction, and I ended up loving it. I’ve always just loved volleyball. I always liked watching it as a kid, and that’s why I started so young and joined the club team.”
Out of the two, Kepa’s favorite is definitely volleyball.
“I am most confident in it, and it’s my favorite thing to do,” she said.
Bengochea is confident in most of the choices she has made during her athletic career.
“I’ve definitely made the right decisions in my volleyball career,” said Bengochea. “I wish I could have played more basketball and got more experience because I’m not as confident with it as I am with volleyball. But I have volleyball, so I don’t necessarily need basketball.”
In volleyball, Kepa is the libero.
“I am either left back or middle back, so I’m typically digging the most balls,” said Bengochea. “I can go in for the middle hitters at any given point. Our middle hitters, who are our tallest people on the floor, are not as quick as I am because they are so tall, so that’s why I am in the back row for either one of them at all times.”
Both of her parents are Lowry graduates and were accomplished high school athletes.
“I’ve watched some tapes of him playing, and he always worked really hard in basketball and baseball,” she said.
Her mom played volleyball for one year and basketball for four years. While her dad played college baseball at Treasure Valley Community College.
Although every athlete has memories, Kepa’s favorites occurred recently.
“My proudest accomplishment was definitely winning regionals for volleyball,” said Bengochea. “My fondest memory will probably be winning zone. I’ll remember our student section. That was incredible. There was so much school spirit. You could just see the whole community come together just to support one team. It was a really cool feeling.”
Kepa’s only regret with sports is not playing club volleyball after volleyball season.
Once Kepa graduates from high school, she wants to continue playing her favorite sport.
“I truly think that sports lead you in the right direction, give you structure, keep your grades up, and keep you in shape,” said Bengochea. “And I just love it. I don’t want to stop playing. I really hope I get picked up by a college for volleyball.”
Kepa also wants to become an elementary teacher.
“I love children,” she said. “My mom is an elementary school teacher, and I’ve been fortunate enough to help her in her classroom this year and be around them. I really enjoyed it.”
At Lowry, Kepa also ran track for one year, but stopped due to a hip injury. She completed three years on varsity volleyball and two on varsity basketball.
