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Bright spot on the bench or the court

Senior Michelle Lundquist doesn't need a permanent place in Crystal River's lineup to spread positive energy to all of her teammates.

By BRIAN SUMERS
Published October 12, 2006

CRYSTAL RIVER - Around her teammates, Michelle Lundquist is known for her wide smile and curly hair.

And yes, to answer the question she receives too often, the hair is naturally curly. In fact, around Crystal River High she is known more for her locks than anything else.

"People will be like, 'Oh, Michelle, the girl with the curly hair,' " she said. "I like being different."

Her friendly disposition makes her a key asset to Crystal River's volleyball squad. As a reserve, Lundquist plays sparingly, but she always retains a sunny attitude and is a team favorite.

"I'm friendly," she said, proudly. "I get along with everybody,"

This will be her final high school sports experience, so Lundquist knows she must savor it. She will graduate in December, then plans to attend college, perhaps at the University of Central Florida. She would like to pursue a job in a medical field.

For now, she loves being around her teammates, whether she plays or not.

"I'm not discouraged," said Lundquist, who plays mostly on the left side. "I like being part of a team. I don't feel left out."

It helps that her best friend, Danielle Carver, is a starter on the team. The two, both seniors, have been close since fifth grade.

"She was a quiet and shy girl I grew to love," Carver said.

But she is not shy anymore. Her teammates and coaches know her as an outgoing 17 year old who enjoys four-wheeling excursions near her Inglis home.

"She's always in a good mood," assistant coach Brian Wood said. "She is always upbeat. She keeps the team loose. You don't hear her complain about playing time."

Even players who aren't close friends with Lundquist know she brings a special attitude to the court.

"She's always happy," said Deanna Johnson, a junior libero. "If you have a bad day, she can cheer you up."

Brian Sumers can be reached at bsumers@sptimes.com or 564-3628.

[Last modified October 11, 2006, 20:35:47]