By Rebecccca Hext
Staff Writer
Senior Kevin Inlow proved his talents as an outside hitter midway through the 2012 season and ended up helping the Mustangs win a CIF championship.
Inlow ended his high school volleyball career having played two years for Mira Costa’s varsity volleyball team and four years of club volleyball with Southern California Volleyball Club.
After a friend’s parents suggested that he take up volleyball because of his height, Inlow picked up the game. He joined the volleyball team his freshman year but broke his ankle right before their match against rival Loyola.
“I was almost six feet tall by the time I got into eighth grade,” Inlow said. “My height had always been an advantage for me, and I put it to good use on the volleyball court.”
The Costa boys volleyball team has a rigorous schedule for its varsity members. With three-hour practices five days a week during season, participating on the team is a large commitment. Even during the off-season the boys stay conditioned with Monday, Wednesday and Friday pool workouts during lunchtime.
“I enjoyed the pool workouts we did this year,” Inlow said. “It [the pool] is low impact, which is good for preventing injuries, and keeps us in good shape.”
During the 2012 season, Inlow had an overall 122 kills as well as 75 digs. He also had 15 blocks and 17 assists.
Once his senior year began, Inlow got his chance to become a part of the starting line up. Originally, Inlow was not in the starting lineup for part of the season but teammates saw his potential.
He was given the opportunity to prove himself at the annual “Senior Night” game against Palos Verdes High School.
“He played really well in the Senior game,” senior Jackson Carr said. “He showed the coaches that he was a legitimate option and helped with our comeback later in the season against Loyola.”
Once Inlow joined the starting line-up, his presence on the team was immediately recognized.
“Kevin brings something to the court that you don’t come across very often,” Carr said.
Inlow ended the CIF match with a total of 13 kills. After Inlow’s performance that night, athletic trainer Tim Cooper and fellow teammates helped convince coaches to start him.
“That game against Palos Verdes really opened up a lot of doors for me,” Inlow said. “I also owe a lot to Tim because he was always so supportive and helped me out a lot.”
Inlow will be attending the University of Texas at Austin next fall and will leave his volleyball career behind, unlike some of his teammates, who will be continuing to play in college. However, his volleyball days at Costa will not be soon forgotten.
“I have had an amazing time playing volleyball in high school,” Inlow said. “However, now that I am going to college, I feel like that chapter of my life is over.”
Inlow has racked up many awards over his volleyball career including a bronze medal at the Junior Olympics in 2008, Most Improved Player during his freshman year at Mira Costa and, most recently, a National Championship with his club team in the 2011 season.
Inlow helped bring the Costa boys volleyball team to a first place finish in CIF this season and a Division II Championship as well.
“I think this year Kevin brought his game to a new level,” longtime teammate Brooks Varni said “Kevin is a true leader and always will be a lot of fun to play volleyball with him.”
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