For CORE Butte senior Apple Bolton, volleyball started as something simple, a way to spend time with friends. “I played one year of rec volleyball in fifth grade,” she said, laughing. “It wasn’t for school or anything. I just did it because my friends were playing.”

When she came to CORE, that casual interest turned into something more. Friends convinced her to try out for the team, and what began as a social decision became a genuine passion. “I made the team, and it just ended up being really fun,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of fun playing the past three years.”

The journey wasn’t easy. As a middle blocker and hitter, Apple says one of the hardest parts has been learning to trust and communicate with her teammates. “In the beginning, it was hard to figure that out,” she said. “But I think we’ve grown a lot since freshman year.” 

Even as her skills grew, she faced moments of doubt. “At the end of last year, I wasn’t doing how I wanted,” she said. “I felt like I was more of a detriment to the team than helping.” But instead of walking away, Apple stayed, and that persistence led her to her best season yet, one that ended with her being named the Five-Star League MVP for Fall 2025.

This season marked Apple’s second year as team captain, a role she also held as a junior. Her leadership on and off the court has been a big part of the team’s energy and improvement this year. Looking back, she says sticking with volleyball was one of the best choices she’s made.

From starting out just playing for fun to ending her high school career as a league MVP and two-year captain, Apple’s journey shows how far consistency and love for the game can go and how much you can grow when you just keep showing up.