Scholar Athlete of the Week: Catriona Hoelperl

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The News10NBC Scholar Athlete of the week is Catriona Hoelperl, a senior at Aquinas Institute.

The Aquinas Lil Irish are always producing great athletes but some of them stand out more than others. To be good at any sport, you need to have passion. Catriona finds that on the volleyball court.

“I love just the energy and just how fast-paced it is,” Hoelperl said. “You’re always scoring points. One minute you got this great kill and the next minute you’re down, but you’re bringing your teammates up. It’s so energy based. I really enjoy just the joy that my teammates get from getting a kill and I get so excited for them.”

She will take that to the next level at Skidmore College, where her future studies align with sports.

“I’ve always loved helping people, and so that always made me feel like I wanted to pursue medicine and helping others,” Hoelperl said. “I also enjoy how sports make me feel. How I’m connecting with my friends, my family, my teammates.”

While in a few months, Catriona will be playing in college, she doesn’t want to forget her roots.

“I want to pass on to the next generation of Aquinas volleyball players to hype each other up and that we are each other’s biggest fans and we can do anything if we’re working together,” Hoelperl said. “I really would love to come back because it’s a family and I’m gonna be forever part of the Aquinas family.”

Catriona just wants to keep that family growing. You can nominate a Scholar Athlete on our website here.