The NCAA reports that a mere 6% of high school athletes take their sport to the college level, so it’s rare to find a team with more than one committed player.
The MHS volleyball team has five.
In August 2022, Mia Scanlon, senior, committed to play beach volleyball at Florida-Atlantic University.
“I decided I wanted to play beach volleyball pretty early on, which helped speed up my process,” Scanlon said.
As varsity captain, her calm demeanor on the court helps anchor the team.
After her, came the commitments of senior Katelyn Heitert (Long Island University-Brooklyn), junior Ella Keeven (University of Texas), senior Jacey Young (Southeast Missouri State University) and senior Madeline Ozersky (Depauw University).
“I’m really happy they found their home because I knew that was the goal they’ve been working towards,” Scanlon said. “Seeing them accomplish that is really exciting.”
The 2022 season came to a close at the hands of Lafayette in the District Semi-Final game, and Lafayette went on to win the State title.
Jacey Young, senior, expects a District run to cap off her high school career.
“Our team was young last season,” Young said. “Our goal this year is definitely to be the team that ends their season.”
Young announced her verbal commitment to Southeast Missouri State in July. Her 6’2” frame helps her dominate at the net as the tallest on the team.
Katelyn Heitert, defensive specialist, said she is excited to see how they can pull through this season. She fell in love with Brooklyn, New York, where she will continue her volleyball career.
“The volleyball program here has brought me some of my closest friends,” Heitert said. “We’ve just been getting stronger and building the chemistry we’ve been blessed with.”
This camaraderie extends beyond the court.
The seniors are part of the strength training program, which provides the team with an opportunity to workout during the school day. Young, Ozersky and Scanlon share a weightlifting platform in one of Coach Charles Malloy’s classes.
“It’s my job to physically and mentally prepare student-athletes,” Malloy said. “Because when you have a commitment to the Weight Room, you have a commitment to yourself and the program. That spreads a work ethic that will carry you along at the collegiate level and throughout your life.”
