Senior Hitter Kristin Elliott is a standout volleyball player for Faith West High School.

“She made all-state the last two years and she made all-tournament at state the last two years we couldn't function without Kristin on the court,” said her coach Tara Montgomery.

But what really sets Kristin apart was that she was diagnosed with cancer in February of 2006.

And despite the fact that she had to have tumors removed from her leg and her lung, she never stopped playing volleyball.

“The found a tumor the size of a grapefruit in this thigh,” said Elliott as she pointed to her right leg.

That was last year. This year, three weeks before pre-season workouts at Faith West, she had tumors removed from a lung.

But that didn't stop Kristin either.

“It was pretty hard. I'm not gonna lie,” said Elliott. “Breathing was difficult, but I just kinda sucked it up.”

And now Kristin is trying to lead her team back to the state tournament, but in doing so, she has inspired everyone around her.

“She takes life as it comes at her. She takes it on with great heart and fullness,” said teammate Tara Barker. “She has fun all the time."

Faith West plays in the Region finals Saturday.