CAPTURING KRISTLYN: Sunlight, Spirit, & Seventeen

There is a certain kind of energy that some people just radiate the moment they walk into a room. If you have ever spent five minutes with Kristlyn—or Kris, as her friends at Waterloo High School know her—you know exactly what I am talking about. She is loud, energetic, and possesses a bubbly personality that is impossible to ignore. But beneath that vibrant exterior is a heart that is remarkably soft. Kris is the kind of person who will sit and listen to anyone, offering genuine sympathy and a helping hand.

​Yesterday was a very special milestone for Kris as she celebrated her seventeenth birthday. Turning seventeen during your Junior year feels like such a sweet spot in life, and Kris is embracing every second of it. She is a girl who lives for connection, whether she is holding court during Lunch Bunch in the guidance office or serving as the Vice President for the Class of 2027. She thrives in spaces that are alive with movement and conversation, admitting that she isn't much of a fan of quiet spaces.

​Role Models and Inspiration

​When it comes to the people who have shaped her, Kris looks to the strong women in her life. Her mom is her ultimate role model and her best friend, someone who keeps life feeling joyful and seamless even when things get tough. She also finds deep inspiration in her JO volleyball coach, Leslie Flohr, admiring her ability to maintain a strong face and take responsibility no matter what challenges are thrown her way. Kris has learned that the best way to handle life is to keep moving forward with grace and determination.

​Life on the Court and Field

​Sports are a massive part of who Kris is. She has been on the softball field since she was old enough to pick up a ball, and she has spent the last five years falling in love with volleyball. For Kris, the court and the field are more than just places to play; they are her escape. When she is competing, she feels a sense of freedom that is hard to find anywhere else. Beyond the physical game, she cherishes the hundreds of memories and the lifelong friendships she has built through her athletic journey. She is a tall girl who wears her height with pride, confident in her dark hair, blue eyes, and the natural athletic ability that allows her to pick up almost any sport with ease.

​Looking Toward the Future

​When she isn't at school or on the court, you can find Kris at Plato’s Closet in Cuyahoga Falls. While she jokes that she basically does laundry all day, she loves the social aspect of her job and the friendships she has built with her coworkers. Her eye for style and her love for aesthetics have led her to a career school for cosmetology. Following in her sister's footsteps, Kris is training to be a hairstylist and nail tech. She loves the idea of helping people find the beauty in themselves, though she also keeps a future goal of pediatric nursing in the back of her mind.

​Staying True to Herself

​Kris is a girl of many layers. She loves the beach, her faith, the color pink, and dressing up just as much as she loves diving for a volleyball. She is someone who has learned that failure is just an invitation to try again and that you can't let other people dictate how you handle your mistakes. Her wish is to never have to grow up, but as she steps into seventeen, she is doing so with a desire to push herself out of her comfort zone. By joining the Teen Team, she wants to prove to herself that she has what it takes and to show other girls that they should never be afraid to go after exactly what they want.

​Happy 17th Birthday, Kris! It is such a joy to have your sunshine and strength on the team this year.