Northampton's Leanna Carvin isn't about to concede anything. Along with a determined will, Carvin is also a modern day high school Renaissance young woman.

The senior girls' volleyball player isn't about make any preconceived notions about her team's overall 2-9 mark and 0-7 slate in the Lehigh Valley Conference (LVC).

"We still can turn this around," said Carvin. "We all work hard and know in our hearts that we can do this. None of us have given up on the year and we want to finish the year strong."

Yet, the year has had its share of frustration for Carvin and her teammates.

"Sure, it's frustrating especially when you look at our record," she added. "We know we are a better team than that. We have had a number of close games and we've left everything out there. It is an emotional time for us because we know we can get over this hurdle."

As for herself, Carvin continues to reach her own new heights. After graduation, she plans to initially pursue a two-year degree as a physical therapy assistant and then off to a four-year degree in interior design. She also hopes to play college volleyball and her top current college choices are Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Boston College, and LaSalle University.

"It's no big deal," she said of her plans. "I may have to make some adjustments due to the economy , but I want to be able to get both of those goals accomplished. I know I can manage somehow."

When she isn't on the volleyball court, Carvin enjoys spending time with her father Craig, who is the Kids' boys' soccer coach, and also working with youths in 4-H clubs in the greater area. In addition, she has been an active in equestrian events - mostly in the summer - for the past 11 years.

"I do like to work with kids and ride horses," she said. "I have been involved with a number of projects with the 4-H clubs and it has been a lot of fun. Riding has also been a passion of mine and I have been in events during the summer."

Still, she has still managed to find some time to enroll in college fine art and design courses at Northampton Community College over the past two years, another avenue to fulfill one of her many interests.

"Art and design have also been active hobbies," Carvin said. "I try to spend as much time as I can with them. It is a good outlet for me to be creative and try something different."

Head girls' volleyball coach David Faust realizes he has a unique player in many ways on his team.

"Leanna is a natural leader," Faust said. "She is very vocal and always has responded favorably to everything. She can also motivate and teach her teammates. She is always trying to better herself in every way she can, and is very thoughtful and conscientious of her team."

Faust also has maintained a sense of optimism in his club's current fate.

"We're obviously disappointed with the way things have gone, and the girls haven't given up," he said. "We have had a number of close matches and we made it to the semifinals of the recent Easton Tournament.

"We are right there in many matches and we have to keep working to reach another level."

In order to reach that level, Faust surely can rely on one player with a true flavor for life.