It seems as if Kelly Reeves was born to play volleyball ---- either indoor or on the beach.

And considering her family's background in volleyball, how could the Cathedral Catholic High senior outside hitter play another sport?

But she did. Quite a few of them.

Once her mom ---- 1984 U.S. Olympian Jeanne Beauprey ---- turned Kelly toward the court, however, she fell in love with volleyball, and all those other sports became part of her past.

Her love is so deep that Reeves, who was an All-CIF San Diego Section performer on last year's Division III state championship team, plans on playing volleyball for the next few decades.

She'll continue her career next fall at UCLA, where she has accepted a scholarship to play for the Bruins.

Q: What sport were you playing before you switched to volleyball?

A: Baseball.

Q: What kind of baseball?

A: Del Mar Little League.

Q: How did your mom get you into volleyball from baseball?

A: I was 12, and she thought it was time for me to get into a girl sport.

Q: Did you like volleyball right away, especially since your whole family plays, including you at the beach?

A: I cried at the first day of tryouts. I'd been going to the beach while my parents played some beach volleyball. They played while I tagged along, but I really liked baseball.

Q: What was the attraction to baseball?

A: I played on a team with my older brother, Connor, and Dad (Mike) coached the team. It was our time to be together.

Q: What position did you play?

A: First base, outfield and pitcher.

Q: How smooth was the transition from a slower sport like baseball to an action sport like volleyball?

A: I didn't know much about the sport except you hit it as hard as you can over the net. Once I got to Cathedral, I kind of grew into my body. I still had no upper-body strength to put shots away against better competition.

Q: But was there something to the sport that kept you coming back to the gym every day?

A: I played basketball my first two years at Cathedral because I'm tall, and I played midfielder in soccer because I was really fast, but I know I'm in the right sport for me.

Q: Why?

A: What's not to like? There's action all the time. You have to be watching closely every play and be ready for the ball to come your way every time.

Q: How tough was it being a freshman on the varsity with a bunch of seniors?

A: I didn't know how to think on my toes. They taught me. If you don't learn that, you'll get left behind. I was a little intimidated. I thought those 18-year-olds seemed so much older than me.

Q: You've been successful in club volleyball and playing on the beach, but what was it like to win the state championship in 2008?

A: It's still amazing. I'll never forget how it felt. I can't believe we did that. I was a little more nervous than normal going into the state finals. (Teammate Lexi Williamson) was on fire the last half of the year, and she carried us.

Q: Where does your future lie after your four years at UCLA?

A: To know my mom played in the Olympics, (it's) something I really want to do also. But that is so far away for me. I do dream about it, though.

Q: In your dreams, are you playing indoor or beach volleyball at the Olympics?

A: I'd love to do both. I'll stick with indoor first and take that as far as it will go, and then give the beach a try.

Q: Are you ready for that next step?

A: No. I'll spend from now until August training for UCLA. I know people won't believe this, but I need to add some muscle. I don't think being a freshman at UCLA will be as traumatizing as it was to be a freshman at Cathedral four years ago when I was intimidated. I think I'm ready for the next level.

KELLY REEVES

School: Cathedral Catholic

Sport: Girls volleyball

Born: April 8, 1992 in Los Angeles

Year: Senior

Height: 6-foot-1

Nickname: KReeves

Accomplishments: Two-time All-CIF San Diego Section first-team selection

Quick hits

Who would you put in your Fave 5? Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods

Favorite pizza: Barbecue chicken

Person you'd most like to meet: Steve Nash

Career ambition: Play volleyball in the Olympics

Favorite class: History

Last movie you saw: "Paranormal Activity"

Favorite pregame meal: Pasta

TV show you can't miss: "Grey's Anatomy"

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite sports movie: "Remember the Titans"

Favorite cartoon: "Rocket Power"

Most hated chore: Taking out the trash

Best Christmas present ever received: Cell phone

Biggest fear: Spiders

Hidden talent: Writing poetry

Superstitions: Put on armbands before a match