When Khyleek Barnett walks into the gym, you can tell right away that he's got energy to spare. The Milwaukee, Wis. native — better known to most as Leek — is one of Davenport Volleyball's newest faces, and he's already making a strong impression.

"Being a freshman is a big deal," Leek said with a smile. "It's like a whole new world opening up, and I'm excited to see where it takes me."

Leek joins the Panthers as a Pin Hitter, a position that demands both strength and focus. It's a role he's come to love after seven years of playing the sport. "I started playing because it just looked fun," he said. "Little did I know, it would end up being such a big part of my life."

For Leek, volleyball has always been more than a game. It's taught him how to work hard, stay disciplined, and trust the people around him. "It's really shaped who I am," he said.

Off the court, Leek keeps things laid-back. He loves hanging out with friends, cracking jokes, and making memories — the kind of moments that keep college life fun. And if you ever need something typed up fast, he's your guy. "I'm a pretty quick typer," he joked. "Like, weirdly fast."

When it comes to pregame rituals, Leek likes to keep things simple. "I listen to a lot of Rod Wave," he said. "His music just hits different — it helps me lock in." His favorite snacks? Goldfish or fruit snacks — quick, easy, and always clutch before a practice or match.

Leek chose Davenport University because of the atmosphere and the people. "The environment here just felt positive," he said. "My teammates were super supportive, even before I got here. That really made me feel like this was the right place."

Now that he's on campus, he's most excited for what's ahead. "I can't wait for the tournaments and games," he said. "That's when we get to show what we're really made of as a team."

At the end of the day, Leek keeps things in perspective with a simple philosophy: "Life is about the choices you make and how you decide to live it. I try to make every moment count."

With his upbeat attitude, work ethic, and drive to get better every day, Khyleek "Leek" Barnett is ready to bring his energy — and his heart — to the Panthers' lineup this season.