UBC Okanagan Heat coach Steve Manuel has seen enough of Kaitlynn Given to know he has a Grade A power hitter joining his CIS Canada West women's volleyball team next year.
But just in case he's looking for additional confirmation, he can always count on Tony Sodaro for his input.
The Kelowna Owls' coach and the girls volleyball team's head cheerleader almost can't say enough about his 2011 captain, who led the Kelowna Secondary School representatives to a B.C provincial 4A championship.
"Kaitlynn is clearly one of the best players in the province," said Sodaro, upon hearing Given had committed officially to the Heat for the 2012-13 season. "When you win the most valuable player at the 4A championship, you definitely come with an extraordinary amount skill. But beyond her amazing power hitting skills and passing ability, Kaitlynn is tremendous team leader - probably the best captain I've ever had the chance to work with."
And without catching a breath, Sodaro continued:
"She did a great job of bringing in the new Grade 11s this season and making them feel an important part of the team. She just rose to every challenge we threw her way. I think that's the thing most people don't know, but that I appreciated the most."
Sodaro also likes Given's chances of contributing to the Heat as soon as even her first year.
"I think she'll bring some quiet confidence right off the bat. She's an extremely talented power hitter with great ball control skills. She'll, be able to step in and pass at any level.
"Steve (Manuel) and Kaitlynn have worked together before, so Steve knows he's got a gem here. I think she's just going to be one of those players who comes in and makes an immediate impact."
As for Manuel, still attempting to put together building blocks for a team that missed the Canada West playoffs in their rookie year, he's been watching the progress of Given for the past four years in the Kelowna Volleyball Club and at KSS. He says he's "thrilled" to have her on board.
"Kaitlynn has stood out all along the path toward committing to UBCO," said Manuel. "Once you get past the obvious that she is a very good attacker with a great jump and the ability to play well above the height of the net, you start noticing how easily and quickly she moves in the back court and how nice of a touch she has when she's passing the ball.
"When you take all those qualities, and add the fact she's a proven winner we're adding to our squad, I believe it's another great step for our program."
Given also looks forward to joining the Heat in the fall and has registered as a general studies student. She has decided that home is where the heart is.
"When I was younger, I felt that for sure I wanted to go away from home, and I thought I was ready for that," she said. "But having the opportunity to watch the Heat play at such a high level this season made me realize staying here to play is what I really wanted.
"The players on the team all seem amazing. They have such strong personalities that work so well together."