Use of deadly force

Whether she’s making spikes on the volleyball court or throwing

the javelin in track,

Arlee’s Becca Nelson has shown her ability to rise above the rest

with some killer results

ARLEE - If you've ever seen Arlee senior Becca Nelson on the volleyball court, on the basketball court or throwing a javelin, one thing becomes crystal clear immediately: she's one of the best all-around athletes in Lake County.

Like with any great athlete, Nelson is constantly driven. She grew up a self-proclaimed tomboy, playing baseball with her brother and the other boys.

She took up volleyball in first grade, playing with her older sister any chance she got.

"I'd go to practices after school," Nelson said. And that dedication has paid off for Nelson. During her Scarlet career, Nelson has spent four years playing varsity volleyball, three playing basketball and is the reigning divisional track and field champion in the javelin.

She just finished up her volleyball career at Arlee with a trip to districts. Despite high hopes after finishing second to undefeated Superior at divisionals, the Scarlets fell to Ennis and Charlo at districts to wrap up their season.

Nevertheless, it was a great season for Nelson and the Scarlets.

"I knew we would be way better [this year] because our young players moved up," Nelson said. "We were more experienced and knew what we needed to work on."

Much of Arlee's success could be directed toward the terrific balance the team exhibited. Their box scores often saw four or five different names leading the team in the five statistical categories. Almost always, it was Nelson or Mahalia Hendren dominating net play with their explosive spikes.

"I definitely came a long way from freshman year," Nelson said. "I was so short, people said I'd never be able to do things, but I'm very competitive."

"It doesn't matter if you're tall or short, skinny or big," Nelson added. "It's all about your mindset."

Opponents weren't the only ones ducking for cover from the 5'4" Nelson's cannon-like kills. One of her most cherished memories from her volleyball days were practices when teammates learned the hard way that Nelson packs quite a punch.

"I'll miss the younger girls," Nelson said. "I used to hit balls and they'd run off the court. That's a big moment I'll miss."

Nelson will also miss her head coach, Brian Big Sam. The two have worked together on volleyball since Nelson was in fourth grade and Big Sam is one of the biggest reasons why Nelson is more than just a great volleyball player.

"He just made me who I am today," Nelson said. "I just love playing for him. He taught me how to hit."

Another key inspiration for Nelson is her friend Katie McClure. Like Big Sam, McClure was an important figure for Nelson in life and on the volleyball court.

"I've always looked up to her," Nelson said. "She's very positive, she's always congratulating me and she's helped me on my hitting as well."

With volleyball behind her, Nelson is planning to spend the winter preparing for track season, and a big season it should be for one of the best javelin throwers in the state.

With a toss of 120 feet at the state meet in the javelin, Nelson earned a fourth-place finish. Impressive, right? It is, but you should also know that Nelson won the divisional tournament with a throw of 126 feet. Without her own javelin.

"I didn't know until divisionals that my javelin was broken," Nelson said. "I had to throw a javelin I didn't like."

Being a track stud runs in the family for Nelson. Her cousin Loni Havlovick currently throws shotput for Montana State, which is great, but creates a friendly rift in the family.

"She tried to get me to be a Bobcat, but my parents would kill me," Nelson said.

That's because her family bleeds maroon and silver. And Nelson follows suit, hoping she gets a chance to go to school in Missoula.

"I thought about going to Butte for engineering, but I want to stay close to home," Nelson said.

If she does end up going to school at the University of Montana, Nelson is leaning toward entering the nursing program. To help her pursuit is her goal of a 130-foot javelin throw this season. If she can reach that mark, her coach has told her he'll talk her up to the Montana coaches if she arrives in Missoula next fall.

It's an attainable goal for Nelson, especially once she starts chucking a javelin she feels comfortable with. And like her throws, it's a longshot that she'll be stopped by any Class C competition this year.