Kellee Stonesifer has felt the frustration of getting close to a championship without capturing the prize.

In 2008, as a three-year member of Francis Scott Key High School's volleyball team, she helped the Eagles win a county championship -- only to be eliminated in the regional playoffs by eventual state title winner Liberty High School.

This year was another story.

In 2009, Stonesifer and her teammates were not to be denied, as they put together an 18-1 record that included a second consecutive county crown and a state Class 2A West Region championship.

The Eagles completed their breakthrough season with a three-game sweep of North Caroline High School at the University of Maryland's Ritchie Coliseum, a victory that enabled Francis Scott Key to bring home its first state championship since 1996.

It also continued Carroll County's record of excellence in Maryland volleyball -- the Eagles' title was the fifth won by a county volleyball program in the past seven years.

But Stonesifer is not defined by a state volleyball championship.

Long before the Eagles routed North Caroline of Caroline County, Stonesifer was already a major contributor to her school and community. Her superior work in the classroom, devotion to Francis Scott Key and active participation in her community all figure into Stonesifer's selection as The Carroll Eagle's Student-Athlete of the Fall Season.

Make no mistake, Stonesifer was a key piece of FSK's championship effort. The senior outside hitter was all over the court, leading the county with 357 digs (5.3 per game) and placing third with 240 kills (3.5 per game).

She was at her best when the stakes were highest. In the Eagles' three-game sweep for the state title, Stonesifer had 13 digs and 10 kills.

"It felt awesome, because that's what we wanted to accomplish for a long time," Stonesifer said.

"We were nervous because it wasn't in our gym anymore. We had to get used to everything changing, from the lighting to the new setup," she said. "But we come from one of the strongest counties for volleyball, and that really helped us when we got to the state level."

Stonesifer and her teammates got used to Ritchie Coliseum quickly, rolling to a three-game win over Marriotts Ridge, of Howard County, in the semis before dispatching North Caroline to win the crown.

"Our heart and our desire took over (against North Caroline)," Stonesifer said. "We wanted it so badly, and we were really excited because that's what we had worked for all year.

"People will definitely look at Key as a volleyball powerhouse now."

It wasn't an easy road for the Eagles. The team's previous head coach, Mindy Minchhoff, moved on to the new Manchester Valley High School at the start of this school year, and FSK began the 2009 season with a new mentor in Tim Walsh.

But the transition was smooth -- thanks to the senior leadership of Stonesifer and longtime teammate Christine Isenberg.

Eagle's net asset

"Kellee led by example," Walsh said. "She was very approachable and totally supportive of her teammates on and off the court, especially the younger players."

Walsh also appreciated Stonesifer's willingness to approach him with ideas.

"Kellee's a good friend to the girls, and they voice their concerns to her," said Walsh, a co-coach for the 2006 FSK boys' cross country squad that won the Class 2A state title. "She was never shy about voicing the team's opinions. Kellee was very helpful to me, letting me know what plays we ran last year, and what worked and what didn't."

Stonesifer knew what she was talking about. She began playing the game eight years ago, following her older sisters Crystal and Stacey, both members of Francis Scott Key volleyball squads that reached the state semifinals but never won a title.

"My family has been so supportive, and they've always been there with sports and academics," she said. "My sisters taught me to have fun and love what I do."

But athletic glories are just a part of Stonesifer's record of accomplishment. A member of the National Honor Society, she has posted a 4.0 weighted grade-point average while taking honors and advanced placement courses.

"Time management is a key," said Stonesifer, who also holds a part-time job at the Dunkin' Donuts in Taneytown.

"Most of the time, I have to do my homework right when I get home from school, because at night I have volleyball practice or youth group or work.

"The honors and advanced placement courses are more time-consuming and take a lot more energy, but I think it depends on what you're willing to work for," she said. "I want my grades to be good and to challenge myself. When you get an A in those classes, it's really worth it."

A multi-sport athlete, Stonesifer is also the No. 1 singles' player for FSK's tennis team. She combined with Stephanie Bittner to finish second in the county in girls' doubles competition last spring.

She also doubles up in music. The Westminster resident plays the flute in the Eagle marching band and is the bass guitarist for the Praise Band at her place of worship, the Mayberry First Church of God.

'Killer' ... with kindness

Her deep faith plays a large role in Stonesifer's life. She is an active member of several faith-oriented groups, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life and The Living Room.

"Spirituality is definitely the No. 1 thing in my life," said Stonesifer. "Going to church is important to me, because I've been given a lot of talents to use to the best of my ability.

"The activities at Young Life and The Living Room are fun, and the people are enjoyable to be with," she said. "There are also the people who want to come to God, and it's an awesome feeling to see that."

Stonesifer also is a member of the school's Girls Athletic Association. The group not only talks sports, but also organizes fundraisers and visits nursing homes.

"We help the older people make crafts," she said of the nursing home trips. "And we make them smile."

For the next step in her life, Stonesifer wants to attend Eastern University, a small Christian college near Philadelphia. She hopes to major in either sports medicine, exercise science or athletic training, and plans to continue her volleyball career.

Eastern is a regular participant in the NCAA Division III Tournament, advancing to the third round in 2009. The school, which has recorded 14 straight winning seasons, went 32-5 overall and won the Middle Atlantic Conference title last season.

If she plays for Eastern, Stonesifer will be without Isenberg, the other driving force behind FSK's championship season.

"We have been playing sports together since we were about 3 years old, when we were in T-ball," Stonesifer said. "I've known Christine my whole life.

"I've also known most of my teammates outside of school, and we're good friends," she added. "That really helps on the court, because we're able to get along, provide positive feedback and pick each other up.

"These friendships are solid for life."

So, it would seem, is Kellee Stonesifer.

About This Award

Since fall 2007, The Eagle has presented this award to a Carroll County student-athlete at the conclusion of the fall, winter and spring sports seasons. The publication also presents an overall Student-Athlete of the Year award at the end of the school year.

All student-athletes who compete at the varsity level for a Carroll County public school are eligible for the award, which is based on academic achievement, athletic achievement and a record of service and citizenship in the school and community.

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