Beyond Volleyball: Cora Behnke of Oconto High School and FC Elite 15 Navy
Cora Behnke is a Class of 2022 top prospect out of Oconto, Wisconsin (35 miles North of Green Bay), playing her high school volleyball at Oconto High School and club volleyball for FC Elite 15 Navy. With great success on the court, here is a little bit more about Behnke in “Beyond Volleyball”. Her FC Elite 15 Navy team will heading to Northern Lights Qualifier in Minneapolis to upgrade their American bid they received in early March. Get to know more about Behnke with her summer plans, volleyball ties in her family, as well as what she is looking for in a college program.
How did you first get involved in the game of volleyball?
I started my very first club season at the age of 10. I played on a 12’s team at Northern Lightning Volleyball Club based out of the Oconto Falls area. My coach was Mrs. Bucheger, my current high school coach. However, before playing on my first club team, I always knew that I wanted to play volleyball. I think it was the excitement of watching my sister compete at State in 2012.
I know your older sister had success in volleyball. How did that influence you playing volleyball? Does she help you at all or do you guys talk much about volleyball?
My sister has been a huge influence! She is my role model. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know if I would be playing the sport. After all I grew up watching her play. I can’t even tell you how many of her games and practices that I’ve watched. Her love of the game is the reason why I love volleyball so much.
Oh yes, we talk volleyball! Since she’s 5 years older than I am, she always has advice for me. I value her advice and opinions because she has gone through the process of picking a college and experienced what it’s like to train at the next level. When she’s home from college, we make a point to do workouts together and of course get a good pepper session in,
What has been the highlight of your volleyball career so far?
The highlight of my volleyball career so far, was making the Badger Region High Performance National Select team. In 2016, I tried out for the first time with HP and was selected for the training camp. The camp alone is invaluable because of the high skill level of players that you train with. Then in 2017, I tried out again and made the team! There is always something to take away from an experience, and my High Performance experience has motivated me to work harder to become a better player. I met some amazing girls that have already committed to D1 colleges. It was a priceless opportunity to even practice with them. It was an experience I will never forget!
What are you looking for in a college volleyball program? Area of study?
I am looking for a successful, competitive program. One where the coaching staff has created a positive team culture. Finally, a program that has good facilities and where the community supports and takes pride in the program.
I am nothing like my brother and sister. They knew their freshman year of high school what they wanted to study or major in college. I do love animals, so possibly veterinary science. However, athletic training is interesting to me as well.
With the summer approaching, what are your plans? Anywhere from volleyball workouts, summer jobs, family vacations, camps, etc?
I will be getting into the gym more to work on agility and increasing my vertical. I’m hoping to attend at least 3 volleyball camps. Oh and let’s not forget drivers education class! Last but not least, beach volleyball with my club setter Brooke Bolwerk. This will be our 4th year playing together and I’m super excited for that to start!
Favorite class:
Biology
Favorite ice cream flavor:
Cookie dough
Favorite outdoor activity:
Beach volleyball
Favorite way to score a point in volleyball:
A block!
Volleyball pet peeve:
Opponents screening at the net when they serve
If you could change a rule in volleyball what would it be?
Let serves to be illegal
Favorite TV Show/Netflix Binge:
The Fosters
Dream Vacation:
Hawaii