The future looks bright for senior outside hitter Kate Love.
As one of the two seniors on the volleyball team, Love is an athlete that has seen it all and as the new season heats up, Love prepares for her last season as a Bull.
Love didn't expect to play volleyball until seventh grade. She was spotted practicing on the soccer field by the volleyball coach at her middle school and they agreed that someone with her height was perfect for volleyball.
Though the now 6-foot-1 Love still enjoys playing soccer, she believes the choice between the two was clear.
Love's passion for the game prompted her to continue playing into college, though she did not start playing with the Bulls. She started at Temple University her freshman year but soon realized that it just didn't feel right in Philadelphia.
Love transferred to Buffalo at the beginning of her sophomore year and felt the connection with the university and city right away.
"I decided to move to Buffalo because it was closer to home," the Pittsford, NY native said. "Temple was not a right fit but Buffalo was. The Bulls had a family-like feel and it was more comfortable at Buffalo."
Love made an extreme effort to be apart of that family atmosphere. She does massive amounts of community service with teammates and other sports teams.
"Everyone respects Kate. She is one of the best team players and does all the little things that make the team run," said head coach Jim Lodes. "She is always in the front of the pack and is a genuine good player."
Love's community service projects include helping out with small things or volunteering and traveling cross-country to help on the recovery unit for Hurricane Rita.
She tries to make her volunteer work as fun as possible for her friends and team, while believing that community service is her duty to give back to the people. Over the years, she has interned with the NHL's Buffalo Sabres, the National Lacrosse League's Buffalo Bandits and minor league baseball's Buffalo Bisons.
Love firmly reassured that she would be playing volleyball in one way or another after she has graduated from Buffalo. She has decided to move into the city of Buffalo.
Love also said that she would definitely come back to the university to cheer on the team.
"I will always be a fan," said Love. "I will be back to support the team."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
