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Xtra Credit Genevieve Duran Junior Gateway I still remember when I was asked to create this new feature of ours. I knew I would now have an opportunity to share more of the great stories I constantly hear about when I talk to coaches, parents, and players. And I knew I wanted to start with Gennie Duran. Just looking at her smile makes me feel good about doing this. "She's a sweet, intelligent and laid back young lady," says her coach, Kara Kloberdanz. Gennie is the starting defensive specialist for the Gateway volleyball squad. But digging hard crosses is not her only talent. "Gennie is a true student athlete," Kloberdanz proclaims with pride. Duran earned a 3.5 GPA this past quarter while being enrolled in AP and Honors classes. Her favorite subject? "English... because I get to learn about the past through different authors' eyes." She is enrolled in symphonic orchestra as well. What inspires her to excel in so many ways? "For the most part, it's just because I try to do my best in everything I that I do," Gennie humbly replies. Her best is better than most. On the court. In the classroom. And... in life. This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. No teenage girl is more aware of that than Duran. A little over a year ago, her mother, Debbie, was diagnosed with the disease. Her mom fought bravely. But the cancer spread. She passed away in September. From the perspective of her coach, Gennie is handling it like a winner!!! Gennie Duran and her teammates march at the Komen-Denver Race for the Cure "We ask our girls to leave whatever may be going on in their lives at the door when they step into the gym. Gennie exemplifies this focus. While most of the girls her age are worried about school or boys, Gennie was dealing with something much greater. I've watched her handle the loss of her mom with grace and have seen her show up every day with incredible strength and determination." Choose one: Grace. Strength. Determination. Her teammates love her for it. And they show it. On October 4th, over 30 members of the Gateway volleyball program marched with Duran at the Komen-Denver Race for the Cure. "I felt comforted and strong knowing that everyone had my back." And now we got your back, too, Gennie... if only from afar. By Marty Cesario Feedback and/or suggestions may be made via e-mail to: martycesario@hotmail.com