Allyson Orth’s singular approach to giving her best effort occasionally brings her multiple interests together.
 
Like the time Mother Nature gave the Bishop Carroll softball player a chance to catch up on a classroom assignment.
 
“I definitely classify myself as a nerd,” said Orth, a senior in her final days as a Golden Eagle. “There was one time we had a rain delay, so I was in here with my math book out, working on my homework,” she added, pointing to a dugout at Wichita’s Two Rivers Youth Club.
 
“I wouldn’t do that anymore, but it was having to keep up, making sure I got those A’s and staying on top of the grades.”
 
Orth’s work ethic and determination have created a unique opportunity for her beyond high school. On June 29, she will report to the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., to begin life as a cadet and collegiate volleyball player.
 
Orth is the Capitol Federal® True Blue® Student of the Week.
 
Orth, a three-time, first-team All-Greater Wichita Athletic League setter, announced her commitment to Army last summer after attending a volleyball camp at West Point. She took an official visit last fall while going through the multi-step application process, which, in Orth’s case, included nominations from U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall and Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas.
 

While Orth talked to other schools about academic and athletic opportunities, the encouragement she received from Army to pursue a major in chemical engineering while competing for the Black Knights struck a chord.
 
“The recruiting was a little hard because some of the schools I did talk to didn’t have my major,” Orth said. “Obviously, I wanted to play my sport that I love in college, but I also want to prepare myself for the rest of my life. That was my main focus first before volleyball.
 
“I didn’t really care where I went. I just wanted to find the perfect fit for where I could study and compete.”
 
Orth didn’t grow up in a military household, but connected with Army’s coaches and was drawn to the regimented lifestyle of a cadet. Those who have regularly seen her in action believe it will be a good match.
 
“A lot of people think, ‘Well, she’s a very pretty girl,’ and she’s got that side to her,” Carroll volleyball coach Teri Larson said. “But she’s a tough cookie. And with her academic success, she’s got a lot of pride in that. I think she’ll fit that mode.”
 
To prepare for the rigors of her plebe year, Orth put added emphasis on her training, a step that has aided her Golden Eagle sports teams. Orth went over 2,000 career assists in her final volleyball season as Carroll took a 37-1 record into the Class 5A state tournament before being eliminated in pool play.
 
This spring, Carroll’s softball team is off to an 8-2 start. Orth started the nightcap at pitcher in a 19-4 and 16-1 doubleheader sweep of Kapaun Mt. Carmel on Tuesday.
 
These final days as a high school athlete carry extra motivation for Orth, who is hoping to lead Carroll to its second Class 5A title in three years. Orth was in the circle as a sophomore when Carroll defeated St. Thomas Aquinas 12-2 in the 5A championship game.
 
She also started in last year’s 5A quarterfinal, a 5-2 loss to Spring Hill that ended the Golden Eagles’ title reign.
 
“Our game last year, I know I didn’t play my best,” Orth said. “I want to go out with a bang this year. I want that state title. That’s driven me to lead this team and keep everyone up and locked in to work toward that.”
 
Larson said Orth’s leadership will definitely be missed when Carroll’s offseason volleyball training begins. She recalled Orth’s willingness to play through a hip injury last fall during a tournament in Topeka when the Eagles were already down a setter due to injury.
 
“She’s just a competitor,” Larson said. “She’s a great leader. She’ll put in the extra work and isn’t afraid of it. Sometimes she overdoes it.
 
“I’ve been blessed in that I’ve had a lot of great kids, but she’s cream of the crop.”
 
While Orth heads into her final month of high school with graduation and a state softball title on her mind, she also said she is savoring her remaining time with family and friends before heading off to West Point. Like countless seniors setting off to numerous destinations, that brings a mix of emotions for Orth.
 
“I’m definitely scared, but I don’t know who wouldn’t be going to school 21 hours away from your family who’ve you been around forever,” she said. “I’m so excited to meet new people though, and my future coaches there are so amazing.
 
“It’s definitely a leap of faith, but it’s an opportunity you can’t pass up. The experience is going to be just so different than what a normal college kid will get to experience. I really wanted that for myself.”