Telegraph photo by HECTOR LONGO Nashua South senior Kara Kelliher is one of the most dynamic volleyball players in the Granite State.

As lethal as Kara Kelliher is on indoor volleyball courts throughout the Granite State, the Nashua South senior invites you to Hampton Beach in the summer months for some sun, sand, and, of course, sizzling spikes.

“They all come and watch. It’s great. I love it,” Kelliher, a two-time first-team All-State selection said of the courts right on the water.

With the summer sun behind us, Kelliher is intent on leading the Panthers to the Division I promised land.

She took a few minutes after Wednesday night’s huge win over fellow unbeaten Pinkerton Academy to talk about the pain of the past, the elation of the present and the potential of a grand future.

OK Kara, the team is off to a 10-0 start and you are drilling the ball. Are you happy with the way things have gone?

“I’m trying my best.”

So how did you prepare for the season?

“We have skills all throughout the summer so we’ve all been practicing together. Some of the girls are new. So we’ve been working out, practicing and getting on the court at least once a week.”

Any other sports?

“I used to run track but I hurt my back. I was doing track and volleyball at the same time and I fractured my spine. It was mostly from the impact of jumping. I couldn’t jump so I had to get an MRI. I was in a back brace the whole summer going into sophomore year. It’s still painful, but the bone is fully healed.”

So you’re a beach person, too?

“I go to the beach a lot. I play beach volleyball a lot with my partner over there, (South classmate and teammate) Paige Garland.”

Wait a minute, the beach in a back brace? How did that work out?

“It looked a little funny, yeah.”

Are you nervous about the upcoming college decision process?

“I’m a straight-A student and I’m doing pretty well for myself. But I’m very nervous. My family is very supportive of everything I do. It helps out a lot. I want to play in college, hopefully Division 2. Right now, I’m looking at Assumption and SNHU. I want to be an elementary school teacher.”

All the volleyball and school and the beach, do you find time to work?

“I work at the YMCA Kidstop. I watch the kids while the parents work out.”

All right Kara, you’ve been great. But before we go, a little quick word association. Tell me about your senior teammates.

Paige Garland?

“She’s my best friend. She always brings energy. So positive. I love her.”

Cara Lecklider?

“She’s so easy to talk to, also a captain with me. She’s so positive, too.”

Kaitlin Fitzgibbon?

“She’s another one of my best friends. She’s amazing to play with. She’s so much fun.”

Catherine Covert?

“She brings a different level to our game. She just pounds the ball. And she’s so fun to hang out with.”