FRUITA, Colo. (KREX) – Cambelle Brammer is the KREX EXceptional student athlete of the week. She had 96 kills and 94 digs over her last five matches for the Fruita volleyball team.
"I'm pretty competitive. So obviously winning is a big aspect, but I also am big on community, so I'm really close with my teammates," Brammer said. "I think a lot of my closest friendships and bonds have been made through volleyball and I think that's huge on this team. We're a really close-knit group of girls and I think that is where a lot of the fun comes from."
Despite the award and the success, Brammer wanted to enjoy every moment with her teammates.
"I like that you get to celebrate in between every point. I think that's really cool," she said. "Most sports, you can't do that. Basketball, you're back running on the court. Track, it's an event not really a singular point, so, you don't really have that team to celebrate with. I think getting to celebrate after each individual point and reset in between each play is cool."
However, it isn't only about the on-court success. Brammer had lessons to learn along the way.
"When I was younger, I struggled with self-confidence. I would make errors. Then, I would start playing it safe," she said. "But I've had good coaches over the past few years. My club coaches, Ara Norwood and Wendy MacAskill, and Mike, were all really good at helping build up the self-confidence."
Brammer kept that self-confidence with her as the season came to its end. She said younger players should make the most of every opportunity.
"It sounds cliche but savor every minute because I remember being a freshman and the seniors said 'Oh, it goes by so fast' and you kind of think, 'okay, whatever.' But it actually does," Brammer said. "Sitting here, knowing I won't play another game in this gym is kind of crazy. Work hard for every moment because you only have a limited number of games and practices, so make each of them worth it."
Brammer said thank you to all those who have helped her along the way.
"My family, my parents, my older brother and everyone because they made so many sacrifices," she said. "I've missed birthdays for my brother being gone for tournaments."
It wasn't just her family she wanted to thank.
"All the coaches and teammates because I think they are the biggest aspect because they teach you and without them you can't have a team and without each teammate and each coach you can't play," Brammer said. "Also, God for giving the opportunity for all of us to play together."
As Frutia heads into the playoffs, Brammer said she isn't taking anything for granted.
"It's the last time I'll play with, I think, every single one of these girls. So just have fun with it," she said. "Enjoy every moment because it's the end."