To kick off the start of the Class B state volleyball tournament, senior Kathleen Cowan stood midcourt at Pinnacle Bank Arena and performed the National Anthem prior to the 9 a.m. games.
Cowan had auditioned for the opportunity to sing at an NSAA state event over a month prior to her performance. She found out two weeks in advance that she would be singing before the 9 a.m. game on Wednesday regardless of what teams were playing.
After the Thunderbolt victory on Saturday, it was announced that Pius X would be one of the teams present for the 9 a.m. matches, which placed Cowan in front of much of the Pius X student body.
“I was nervous at first,” Cowan said. “Knowing that my classmates were going to be cheering me on was definitely a good feeling.”
Cowan had originally been told by NSAA officials she would be performing in front of the Norris student section, which separated her from the Pius X court. Upon the discovery she was a Pius X student, arrangements were made to place her on her own school’s court where she got to perform for her classmates and peers.
“I’m super proud of Kathleen; she worked really hard to audition and spent a lot of time in preparation for state,” senior Kara Bucknell said. “She is one of my best friends, so I was excited when I got to cheer her on at state.”
Cowan singing brought a strong sense of school spirit to the court as students saw a familiar face step out to lead off the tournament.
“Representing Pius just brought more of a sense of pride and pregame excitement,” junior Samuel Warner said. “Seeing her bring her unique talents and how well she did was truly a great sight to witness.”
Not only did Cowan have her fellow classmates cheering her on, but she was able to have her parents standing courtside to appreciate her accomplishment.
“It was such a proud mom moment,” Judith Cowan said. “Standing there watching her sing in front of a crowd at Pinnacle Bank Arena was incredibly special. I was probably more nervous than she was.”
Cowan was honored to get the opportunity to be chosen to sing and the ability to perform in front of her peers.
“I thought it was a really cool experience, especially as a senior,” Cowan said. “The girls played really well, and I was really proud to get to be the person who sang for their season’s final game.”
