A 5'11", 6-rotation OH, Kyra is a dynamic go-to hitter from any area of the court, an extremely strong and consistent defensive player and an unrelenting competitor both on the court and in the sand.  She thrives on pressure and combines a blue collar work ethic with the mental fortitude needed to deliver team oriented results.  Her athleticism and acumen for the game of volleyball allow her to compensate and adjust to ball position at the last minute in order to find a way to score.  When the pressure is on, this athlete continues to bring the spark.

Making a big club move this season, Kyra will be playing for T Street Volleyball Club on the 18-1s. She is anxious to get on the court with her new teammates. Since the T Street 18-1s won the National Open title last year, this year they already have targets on their backs and Kyra is ready for the challenge.

After spending many hours in the gym and on the court over the summer months working on her strength and agility, Kyra had a stellar high school season leading her team to an undefeated Olympic League Championship, CIF SS Div 2AA Championship, CIF State Division 2 Regional Championship and CIF State Div 2 Runner Up.  Kyra led the team with 523 kills (breaking a school record and #9 in the state of California), 45 aces, 49 blocks and 274 digs, on a talent laden team. She was named the California MaxPreps Div 2 POY, CIFSS Div 2AA POY, LA Daily News All-Area POY, Olympic League POY, SoCal Prep Legends Player of the Week and was placed on the ACVA All American, Prep Volleyball Senior Aces and LA Daily News High School Watch lists at the beginning of the season and has not disappointed. Kyra was a clutch player for the Crusaders this year and is one of those players that doesn't let pressure get to her, she was the spark that charged comebacks for quite a few games. 

The Los Angeles Daily News recently published a wonderful article on her.  

     Village Christian's Kyra Banko inspired by sports family

"Banko has shown an ability to take over matches. Facing a do-or-die situation in the fourth set of the Division 2AA semifinal against Laguna Beach, Banko told Village Christian setter Selby Schnobrich: “Send me the ball every time.” Schnobrich obliged, and Banko led a spirited comeback to help Village Christian survive a massive scare.

Kyra was a captain on the San Gabriel Elite 17 Roshambo team where she is a leader on the court.  The team received an Open bid at the SCVA Junior National Qualifier and competed in New Orleans. For all three years Kyra played at SG Elite, the team received an Open bid to nationals.

In her junior year, Kyra and her Crusaders performed at the top of their game resulting in a 36-4 record, going undefeated in the Olympic League, CIF SS Div 2AA Runner Up and CIF State SoCal Region Runner Up.  In the playoff and state run, Kyra led the team with 122 kills, 91 digs and 29 aces, keeping the team alive, all the while playing with a stress fracture in her foot.  Sidelined mid season due to plica surgery on both her knees, Kyra spent 1 1/2 hours at physical therapy everyday determined to get back on the court to help her team.  Sixteen days later she returned in a tough league match only hours after her doctor officially released her. Click here to read the LA Daily News article about Kyra's determination.  Even missing some games in the middle of the season, Kyra was still selected to the All CIF Southern Section 2014 Team, 1st Team Olympic League and NCSAA All American, which she is extremely proud of.

The Village Christian Head of Schools selected Kyra as a 2014 Ags and Kojo Scholarship recipient. Those who demonstrate hard work, diligence and an ability to overcome obstacles to excel in the classroom, in athletics, at school and in their character development are selected for this prestigious award.

One of twelve girls in the Southern California Region selected to participate on the '14 SCVA Global Challenge U17 Team, she competed at the 10th annual European Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia, taking on teams from Italy, Russia, Slovenia among others.

A clutch player on her SG Elite 16 Roshambo club team she delivered consistent kills and passing, as well as, great blocks and solid back row defense to finish 28th overall in the nation in the Open division at Nationals in July.

As a Sophmore, Kyra led her high school team to the CIF Division 2A Quarter Finals and was the first player unanimously selected to the 1st Team All-Olympic League.  She is listed among the top 10 in kills, hitting, digs, aces and blocks in the MaxPreps' California Southern Section 2A outside hitter leaderboards, even after a 30 day transfer sit out period.  Based on her season performance, Kyra was selected into the 2013 ACVA Phenom program,  the Crescenta Valley All Tournament Team and named on to the PrepVolleyball Soph 79 High Honorable Mention List.

In 2013, she was instrumental in leading the SG Elite 15 Roshambo team to a 3rd place finish in Southern California and a 15th place finish at the  Junior National Championships in the Open Division.  

Kyra's profile can also be found on NCSA and her NCAA Eligibility is #1402624177