Coeur d’Alene High School Athlete of the Month: Isabella Hollibaugh

Coeur d’Alene High School junior, Isabella Hollibaugh, has an enviable list of accomplishments. The 17-year-old has lettered for playing volleyball, basketball and track and field and has been acknowledged for her athleticism. She’s been the recipient of the Coaches Award and the CHS Viking Boosters Athlete of the Month, among others.

Her academic achievements are on par with her athletic accolades. She’s received the Renaissance Award each semester, and she’s also been inducted into the Congressional National Academy of Future Science and Technology Leaders. Isabella plans on attending college and will play both volleyball and basketball if she can. “It’s just part of who I am, and I want to do it for as long as I can,” she said. She is considering universities where she may pursue a degree in marine biology.

But it’s been a difficult year so far. She injured her left knee during the Lakeland Volleyball Invitational back in September 2015. She continued playing, however, filling in as a setter for a fellow injured teammate. It was the first time CHS had won the tournament. But later, doctors observed that she had broken cartilage in her knee and her femur was misaligned. After a couple of weeks in a brace, she returned to play basketball but eventually re-injured the knee. This time, she required surgery from which she is recovering.

Despite the hardships this year, sports have taught her perseverance and strength.

“Life is full of challenges and you need to attack those challenges with hard work, commitment and leave it all on the court. Then pick yourself up off the court and get ready for the next one! Because it is coming whether you are ready for it or not,” she said.

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