Norman North's Caitlyn Young Academic Athlete sponsored by Republic Bank and Trust

Caitlyn Young is consistently one of the first players to show up to Norman North volleyball practices and the first out on the court for matches. As Timberwolves’ coach Stephanie Kane put it, “she works her butt off.”

The versatile attacker is a key cog in the Norman North attack with her slashing kills from the outside. But she can work her way inside as well – capable of a powerful spike from anywhere she receives a set. Young is always ready.

That comes from preparation and dedication.

Young is a strong student, putting academics second only behind her faith. Even as a senior, she’s taking two concurrent courses at the University of Oklahoma as well as one AP course her senior year. She took three AP courses last year.

Her studious nature translates in a dynamic on-the-court presence.

“I feel like my dedication in the classroom definitely translates over to the court,” Young said. “You have a full day, like 8 hours, of going to classes, then homework. …

“Although you have a three-hour practice, that’s not enough. You have to go and do more work outside of just that practice. I feel like there’s definitely a translation. It’s just the time that is required of you to get better.”

Young hopes to attend the University of Kansas and because of her long list of college-level classes will likely start her education with nearly a full year of credits.

She’s also involved in National Honor Society and Christians on Campus, a group for which she previously served as vice president for two years.

She leads a small religious-based youth group not affiliated with any church, is a member of the KLIFE group and is a new member of Victory Family Church, where she is involved in two small youth groups.

Young is also a part of the SPUD committee, a Norman North High School group that raises money for the community.

“She’ll do whatever it takes for her teammates,” Kane said. “We have a trust, and I know that I can trust her. She knows that I trust her with whatever task I ask her to do, even if it’s in the middle of the match. She’s going to take that risk and do it, and I know she’s going to put forth the effort to accomplish what I’m asking her to do. Caitlyn all-around is a great athlete and a great person.”