Wingate University Athletics

2009: Katie Handy appeared in 37 matches in her first year as a Bulldog, averaging 1.09 kills per set while hitting .242. She had nine kills, three blocks and a .389 hitting percentage in a 3-0 win over Elizabeth City State. Handy had five kills and a .500 hitting percentage in a sweep over USC Aiken, followed by a six-kill performance in the 3-1 win at Newberry. She had four kills, three digs and two blocks in the NCAA Regional victory over Tusculum.

High School: Handy was a four-year varsity player at Palos Verdes High School. She was selected team MVP both her junior and senior year. Handy was a first team All-Bay League selection her senior season. As a successful Junior Olympic player, Handy played for the highly-regarded TCA club team in 2006 and 2007. This year, she will be a starter for the prestigious Mizuno Long Beach Volleyball Club. With her experience as a right-side player at the elite level of club volleyball, Handy is expected to compete for the position vacated by 2008 senior Kathryn Reddick (Franklinton, N.C.), one of the team’s top blockers and hitters.  

As an exceptional student at Palos Verdes High School, Handy was awarded a prestigious Belk Scholarship to attend Wingate. The Belk Scholarship is the school’s highest academic award to incoming freshmen. Handy is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. In addition, she serves on the Congressional Youth Leadership Council. Handy is a member of the Spanish Honor Society as well. She plans to major in business at Wingate.

Coach Collier:  “It is unique for us to have a player come to Wingate. All the way from Southern California, and Katie has been a great addition. She had a solid first season as a freshman, and she really made some great progress last spring, particularly with her attacking and her power. She will be a key factor as a rightside hitter for us this fall.”

Personal:

Favorite Athlete: Misty May
Most famous person Katie has met: Andy Roddick and Ashley Tisdale
Favortie sport to play other than own: Football and Basketball
How Katie gets ready for a match: Listen to Ipod, set and hit against wall, tip drill with Grace and Anna, and stretch with Stormi
Favorite movie: Love Actually
Most memorable sports moment: Beating high school rivals and committing to Wingate
Favorite sports team: Southern California Football and Volleyball
Nicknames: KP, Katy Perry
Something most people don't know about Katie is that she: knows how to surf
Favorite Quote: "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are" - John Wooden