Minister of defense

Not only is Penn co-captain Karen Kinsherf a team leader, she is the Quakers' top digger Dependability is a rare and highly valued quality on the volleyball court. Inconsistency can paralyze even the most talented squads. All teams need a solid foundation to build on, nothing glamorous -- just dependable. Karen Kinsherf, senior co-captain of the Penn volleyball team, is that foundation. Her dedication and work ethic has become contagious among teammates. Kinsherf motivates her teammates to reach for the same work ethic and dedication that has made her so vital to the team. "She works really hard, and it motivates everyone else," Penn co-captain Jessica Luftman said. "She's one of those lead-by-example types." Kinsherf also adds steady play to a team that has often been plagued by inconsistency. Her dependability spans all areas of the game -- offensive, defensive and even the mental part. "I think my role is to maintain the consistency of play," Kinsherf said. "Our team, in the past, has been a roller coaster, up and down. I just need to try and keep people up and stay positive and play consistently." Off-the-court attributes aside, Kinsherf makes herself known primarily for her defensive play. The attitude that makes a hard worker also makes a great defensive player, and that attitude is dominant in Kinsherf. Last season, Kinsherf led the Quakers in digs with 276. She has once again taken the lead in that category this season. She demonstrated her defensive arsenal in Penn's five-game victory over Cornell in last year's Ivy League tournament. "We came back from being down 11-4," Quakers coach Margaret Feeney said. "I can just remember Karen coming up with some really key digs at that point. She had a really consistent defensive performance in that match." Still, Feeney would like to see Kinsherf elevate her offensive game to complement her defense. "One of the things I would really like to see her do is really step up her play offensively," Feeney said. Kinsherf ascent to the captaincy was a result of steady improvement over her first three seasons. She has become a more aggressive player, which is necessary to being a strong leader and volleyball player. As a freshman, Kinsherf was soft-spoken and did not find much playing time. "I used to joke with her parents that I had had her here for 2 1/2 years before I really had a conversation with her," Feeney said. The quiet freshman that came to Penn three years ago has become a strong leader whose example speaks loudly. There are no frills to Kinsherf's play. She is just solid. She is the foundation on which the Quakers look to build on as they fight for the Ivy League title. With such a dependable leader, Penn has an example of consistency that could bring them to the title. "Karen Kinsherf is an extremely hard worker," Feeney said. "She's just a tough kid that comes to play everyday."