Track and Field may be where Kari Dufoe’s athletic future lies, but it has been volleyball into which she has poured her heart since middle school.

ADM’s senior outside hitter has played volleyball year round since her freshmen year, and earlier this week, that dedication was rewarded. Dufoe, who lead the Tigers with 248 kills this season, was named to the Class-4A Southeast All-District team.

“It’s just really exciting because it is a team effort for everyone to play their part, but it’s nice to know that I was able to provide my team with that standout hitter who other people are recognizing that I can put the ball down,” she said. “It’s nice as a senior to realize you’re an important aspect to the team.”

Dufoe said it was the most prestigious individual recognition she had received in her volleyball career, though she added it was never about individual attention but rather helping the team. She now turns her focus to track, where she’s getting looks at the collegiate level for a scholarship.

Dufoe, who placed second in the 100-meter dash and third in the 200-meter dash at the state competition in May, has already started preseason workouts with her trainer three times a week, and is pushing herself in the gym the rest of the time.

It will be difficult for Dufoe to say goodbye to volleyball, though she’ll be busy with three-hour practices and schoolwork in a new environment in college. She hopes she can be involved with a volleyball program in college like she is now, with a club team she previously played for. Some of her old coaches have allowed her to volunteer with the club.

“They’ve offered to let me just come and mess around, have a good time with the girls, and also show them  how much volleyball has meant to me in my life and just show them how things are done,” Dufoe said. “So that’s been really cool, and it keeps volleyball in my life as an important part of it.”