GILLETTE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS  

Julia Machin | Head Women's Volleyball Coach 

Kinley Solem comes to Gillette College from Thunder Basin High School. While at TB Kinley played and lettered in three sports, volleyball, basketball, and softball. In her freshman year of high school Solem found success early when she competed in an undefeated season in basketball and earned the Most Improved Award in volleyball. In her sophomore year she lettered in all three sports. In her junior year Kinley lettered in basketball and volleyball once again. She also placed 3rd at state in basketball while joining the 10,000 shot club. Meanwhile, in volleyball she earned the Hardest Worker award and Best Serve percentage on the team. Senior season in basketball Kinley earned conference honorable mention, placed 2nd at state, earned the 3A/4A Bob Carey Award of Excellence, and was asked to play in the Dominican Republic to represent the USA. Volleyball wrapped up with several awards and honors including the Hardest Worker Award, Most Solo Blocks, Most Block Assists and 4A East All- conference second team. Solem finished the season with 120 kills, 41 aces, 146 digs, 12 solo blocks and 65 block assists. 

Solem is also impressive off the court. She received the Academic- All state award, Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award, and the Wyoming Coaches Association Academic Award. Kinley has been part of the Hope Squad, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes throughout her entire high school career. She has also participated in the National Honor Society, Prince of Peace Youth Group, and the Wyoming High School Activities Association Student Advisory Council. Solem will graduate with a 4.0 and as Valedictorian of Thunder Basin. She will come to Gillette College to study biology and looks to go into pre-professional studies.  

Kinley states "I have lived in Gillette my whole life. While some may see that as a reason to get out, here we have a supportive community. This town loves sports and I know all the renewed or new programs will have plenty of support from the community. When I first went on my visit, I was unsure if I wanted to play volleyball or basketball or if I even wanted to play college sports at all. By the end of the visit, I was not fully decided, but I loved the coach and I felt this would most likely be the school for me, and volleyball would be the sport I would pursue. On the academic side, Gillette College is a great place to go if you are trying to graduate college without any student loans, which is what I plan to do, making it a good fit for me." 

"Kinley is the all-around student-athlete every coach wants. We are excited to have her join our roster and expect her to make an immediate impact on and off the court." said Coach Machin