10/25/2026
ππ SENIOR SPOTLIGHT | KELSI PRIMUS #7 ππ
π Outside Hitter | 3-Year Varsity Player | Class of 2027
Competitive. Caring. Energetic. Team-Oriented.
Meet senior Kelsi Primus!
Some volleyball journeys are measured in wins, kills, and accomplishments. Others are measured in the confidence gained, challenges overcome, and moments when a player finally realizes just how capable she truly is.
For Kelsi, her journey with the Lady Bucks has been a little bit of both.
Kelsi describes herself as competitive, caring, and energetic. She sees her role as being a motivator and encourager, always working to support her teammates and bring her best effort to the court.
Throughout her four years in the Pendleton volleyball program, Kelsi has demonstrated a strong work ethic, determination, and a team-first mentality that have made her someone her teammates can depend on.
π Favorite Volleyball Memory:
For Kelsi, one of her favorite memories is competing at the 2025 State Tournament, surrounded by the excitement, energy, and unforgettable atmosphere of postseason volleyball.
The opportunity to compete alongside her teammates, challenge themselves against tough competition, and experience the intensity of State is something she'll always remember.
π From Coach Primus:
Jodi describes Kelsi in three words: self-motivated, team-oriented, and competitive.
Kelsi began her freshman year on JV, developing her all-around skills and preparing herself for whatever her team needed. As a sophomore, she earned a varsity position as a right-side hitter before transitioning to outside hitter, where she's continued to grow into a smart, consistent, and adaptable attacker.
Over the years, Jodi has watched Kelsi learn when to adjust her swing to keep the ball in play and when to attack with everything she's got.
But perhaps her greatest growth hasn't been in her hitting ability. It's been in her confidence and belief in herself.
Through hard work and determination, Kelsi has become someone her teammates can count on to give her best effort, compete through pressure, and put the team's needs before her own.
And for Jodi, one particular moment stands above the rest.
π A Moment Neither Mother Nor Coach Will Forget:
During the Lady Bucks' final match against Marshfield at the 2025 State Tournament, Kelsi delivered some of her strongest hitting of the entire season.
It was a high-pressure match with so much on the line. But instead of allowing self-doubt to hold her back, Kelsi stepped onto the court, trusted herself, and played with the confidence and determination her coach had always known she possessed. For Jodi, watching that moment brought tears to her eyes.
Not simply because her daughter was playing well, but because she knew better than anyone how much Kelsi had battled self-doubt throughout her volleyball journey.
Watching her let go of that fear, rise to the occasion, and give everything she had when her teammates needed her most was a moment of tremendous pride.
It was one of those rare moments when being a coach and being a mom came together in the most beautiful way. π
Jodi calls it a proud mom-coach momentβone she'll never forget.
π A Personal Message from Coach Jodi:
For this particular Senior Spotlight, Jodi has a perspective unlike any other.
Because Kelsi isn't just one of her senior players. She's also her daughter. Her youngest child.
Jodi has had the privilege of coaching Kelsi since she was little, sharing not only a love for volleyball but years of practices, games, challenges, growth, and memories.
As Jodi reflects on their journey together, she shares:
"I would like Kelsi to know how much joy it has brought me to be her coach from the time she was little through her high school career. To share my deep love of this sport with my own daughter has been a true treasure."
Jodi recognizes that balancing the roles of mother and coach hasn't always been easy. Being the coach's daughter brings its own expectations and pressures, but Kelsi has handled those challenges with maturity and respect.
Throughout her career, Kelsi has never asked for special treatment, a particular position, or additional playing opportunities. Instead, she's trusted her coaches, respected the boundaries between parent and coach, and focused on doing what's best for her team. And that's what makes Jodi especially proud.
Beyond the volleyball skills, accomplishments, and growth in confidence, it's Kelsi's team-first mindset, determination, and respect for her teammates that mean the most.
Jodi closes her message with words that only a mom could share:
"Love you forever, Sis! Keep shining bright!" ππ
π Looking Ahead:
After graduation, Kelsi plans to pursue a future in Early Childhood Education, where her caring personality, patience, and ability to encourage others will serve her well.
Kelsi, thank you for the dedication, competitiveness, encouragement, and heart you've brought to Pendleton Volleyball.
You've shown that growth isn't always about becoming the strongest or most talented player on the court. Sometimes it's about learning to believe in yourself, trusting the work you've put in, and discovering that you're capable of more than you ever imagined.
As you move into your next chapter, keep that team-first spirit, continue believing in yourself, and never forget how much you've accomplished.
And to Jodi and Kelsiβwhat a special gift to have shared this volleyball journey together, from those earliest days in the gym to the final season of high school volleyball.
Once a Lady Buck, Always a Lady Buck! ππ