Kianna Patterson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Christian Schools for AZPreps365.com.

A humble soul and a great sense of leadership are all the qualities that make great stars. Not many stars have truly great spirits but there are very few that defy that stigma.

Valley Christian volleyball star outside hitter Cara Braun is the definition of a true leader. Her leadership and motivation towards her teammates is truly remarkable. Where some may shy away from the responsibility of being captain and taking on a huge role that is not a characteristic of Braun’s. While Braun may look serious all the time on the court, friends and coaches around her will tell you that is not the case. 

Braun is the youngest sibling of three, all who have competed and attended Valley Christian for high school. Her siblings went on to play college basketball. Her older sister is studying to be a physician’s assistant and her older brother attends Northeastern University. Her father played college basketball and soccer while her mother was a collegiate volleyball player.

Braun grew up in a basketball family, and she played basketball up until her freshman year of high school. But it was going into her freshman year when Braun decided to just focus mainly on volleyball.

“I was the one who decided that I liked volleyball more,” Braun said. “I stuck with it and stuck with it, once I got to high school volleyball was my main focus.”

While a humble and shy person on the court Braun is able to steal the show and become that volleyball phenom that she is known for.  Braun has been named player of the match five times this season. Tops the list as only one of three Valley Christian volleyball players to reach 1,000 kills. Valley Christian is ranked #9 in Arizona and ranked #1 in their 3A division and that is due to the help of Braun’s game.

“Cara is a phenomenal athlete and person,” Valley Christian volleyball head coach Lindy Dyer said. “She is as amazing and humble as they come.”

Many star players might think too highly of themselves, but Braun does not think she’s better than the next athlete. Braun has played on Varsity all four years of her high school career. She was named 3A All-Region first team her junior year. As a freshman she led the team with kills (318) while as a sophomore she helped lead her team with kills (347). 

Even though Braun is a true star and great at what she does, she still deals with certain challenges that make volleyball hard. 

“The most challenging thing for me is moving on from the mistakes,” Braun said. “It’s a very classic answer but every single point matters in volleyball, [and] the hardest part is knowing that you are going to make mistakes.”

Yet with all the accolades and recognition Braun receives, she never brags or boasts about being an elite athlete. Braun’s attitude, spirit and athleticism is a coach’s dream come true. Her faith keeps her grounded and is one of the main reasons Braun is so humble.

“I’m humbled in many ways, in 3A you can feel like a big fish in a small pond,” said Braun. “But when you get into the club volleyball world, it's such a big pond and you are completely humbled by all the talent."

Outside of volleyball, Braun is involved in National Charity, a mother and daughter organization that is designed to encourage volunteering opportunities and community service for grades 7-12.

Everyone who has met Braun has nothing but positive affirmations and words about her. One word that is said the most is “humble." Friends, family and coaches speak brightly of her and her presence.

“Cara is one of the best at what she does,” Valley Christian athletic director Greg Haagsma said. “She is a rare athlete that is so humble and friendly.”

Braun’s senior season is in progress, she continues to dominate and break records and add more accolades to her resume. The San Diego State commit is looking forward to college life and experiencing a bigger school than what she knows now. With an 11-1 record, Braun and the Trojans have a great shot at the 3A division state championships this season.