SAXONBURG — Kassandra Fissore, president of Knoch High School's Class of 2011, was born athletic.

“I've been dancing since I was 2 years old,” Fissore said. “I've been trying out every sport I possibly could.”

Fissore's parents told her early on that she had to be involved in a school activity, she said.

Now, Fissore is captain of Knoch's varsity girls tennis team, where she plays doubles.

“I'm the only person on the girls tennis team that has a one-handed backhand,” she said.

Although there is no secret to her backhand — Fissore said she practices a lot — she said that the timing on a backhanded return is very important.

“It can be early or late,” she said.

Fissore prefers doubles tennis to singles because of the teamwork involved.

“I like knowing that to succeed, I need to rely on someone else,” she said.

Fissore is a people person.

“I love being around people, being close,” she said.

She has become close to her teammates and coaches.

“I've learned to take criticism the right way, to benefit everyone,” she said.

The girls tennis team, under second-year coach Kenny Nieser, finished the season with an 11-1 record, tying for the section title.

But she cherishes her memories of all the fall sports, especially football.

“I loved our football season,” Fissore said, remembering the tailgate parties that were intertwined with the Knights victories. The Knights (9-2) made it to the WPIAL Class AA quarterfinals.

In fact, for the first time in school history, all six of Knoch High's varsity fall sports teams — boys and girls soccer, volleyball and golf are the other four — qualified for the WPIAL playoffs.

Looking at her final year in school, Fissore said, “I can't believe I'm halfway done with my senior year.

“I have so much to be grateful for. I wouldn't want my life to be any different.”

As class president, Fissore's main duties have been fundraising for the senior banquet and the prom. The class's executive committee has had a dodge ball tournament, auctioned baskets and sold carnations.

The senior banquet was March 17 at the Days Inn in Butler Township.

This winter, Fissore recorded stats for the girl's basketball team and was a dance captain for Knoch's spring musical. She led a dance troupe through routines in “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Monday nights were reserved for dance lessons for the five Fissore sisters. The girls took point, jazz, hip-hop and lyrical dance, Fissore said. The five girls were usually in a studio from about 4 to 9:30 p.m.

“I'm very fortunate for the things I have and the opportunities I'm presented with,” Fissore said, “but it's a lot of work, too. Nothing comes easy.

“You have to earn the things in life that you need.”

Her sister Katie, 19, is studying dance at a performing arts school in New York City; Katerina, 15, is both a Knoch cheerleader and a dancer; Abbie, 11, combines volleyball and dance; and Maddie, also 11, runs cross-country and twirls baton.

The girls and their parents turn out to support each other.

“We're our own fan section,” Fissore said.

Her father, Tom, has been a good sport about all of the recitals he's sat through, she said.

“We watch sports with Dad,” she said, explaining their trade-off.

Fissore is going to carry her love of sports through college where she will pursue a career as a sports trainer at California University of Pennsylvania.

“I knew I wanted to do something with medicine,” Fissore said. “Injury comes with sports. So I thought I would help people get through injuries.”

Her biggest challenge is to remember that “no matter what you do, you can't do everything right,” Fissore said. “You have to work with failure.”

Fissore turns 18 on April 18. It's a Monday, she said, so she'll be in school that day.

“Afterward, I'll have my mom cook me cheesy chicken casserole for dinner, she said. “My very favorite meal.”

<B>Age: </B>17<B>Address:</B> Saxonburg<B>Family: </B>Parents, Karen and Tom; four sisters, Katie, 19, Katerina, 15, and twins Abbie and Maddie, 11; Pet dog Rorie, a Yorkie<B>Employment: </B>Waitress and bus person at Hotel Saxonburg<B>Education:</B> Senior at Knoch High School<B>Interests:</B> President, Knoch Class of 2011; captain, girl’s tennis team; dancer; blogger; layout editor of the Knight Times newspaper; keeps stats for the girl’s basketball team; French club