Wong helps Folsom to reach semis

A big reason Folsom High's varsity girls' volleyball team found itself in the Division I semifinals against top-seeded St. Mary's on Tuesday is because of senior setter Kelly Wong. As a setter, Wong is responsible for running the offense and you don't have to be genius to figure out her role on the team is of one of great importance. Not only does she have to know where to go with the ball for her team to have the most success, but she also has to have the skill to get it to her hitters. There's no denying that the setter's ability to put the ball in the right spot, both strategically, but also just to allow her hitter to get a good swing on it is one of the most important aspects of volleyball and Wong does it with the best of them. "Kelly is an amazing player and leader and one of the core reasons for our team's success this year," Folsom coach Devin Elmore said. "She does a tremendous job remaining cool under pressure and her deduction making as a setter is second to none. I've been truly blessed to be able to coach a player like Kelly." Folsom Telegraph: What are your hopes/plans for after graduation? Kelly Wong: I plan to go to Cal Poly or SDSU and major in kinesiology. FT: Do sports run in your family? KW: Yes, both of my parents played multiple sports and my sister plays volleyball and my brother plays soccer. FT: How long have you been playing volleyball and how did you get your start in it? KW: This will be my seventh year playing volleyball. I started because my dad used to play and wanted us to play too. FT: Have you ever been involved in any other sports? KW: I did gymnastics and tumbling when i was younger. FT: What do you enjoy about volleyball? KW: I enjoy the people the most. I have met so many amazing people through volleyball and playing with them makes it so fun. FT: You are the team's setter. There's more to that position than just setting the ball. Tell us about your responsibilities? KW: As a setter I have to run the offense and make smart decisions that will give my hitters the most success. I have to try to give my hitters the best opportunities to get kills. FT: I feel the setter is a thankless position, but do you feel the love from your teammates? KW: I definitely do. The first thing my hitters do after getting a kill is tell me it was a good set. FT: How do you feel the team has played this season? KW: I feel like this is the best team we've had at Folsom in a long time. The team has great chemistry so we all play really well together. FT: How did this team play against Pitman, and what will it take to upset St. Mary's? KW: The team played so well against Pitman. It was probably one of our most consistent games in a while. In order to beat St. Mary's, we need to stay consistent and stick to our game plan. FT: Do you have a favorite genre of music or a favorite singer/group/rapper? KW: The Weeknd. FT: Favorite food? KW: Sushi. FT: Do you have any pets? Tell us about them. KW: I have two yorkies named Tom and Jerry. I've had them for about 10 years and I love them so much. FT: Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? KW: I love to bake and just hang out with my friends in my free time. FT: What inspires you in sports? KW: College players inspire me. I love watching college volleyball with my parents and it's so inspiring to see them playing at that level. FT: What job or profession do you hope to have some day? KW: I hope to become a sports medicine physician some day.