Moraine Valley volleyball closes season with growth under new leadership

Altogether, the Moraine Valley Community College volleyball team had a respectable season. With a new coach leading the way, it was full of ups and downs, growth and honors.

Head Coach Jaelyn Donald is a Cyclones alumna and first-time college coach. As a player who experienced a Region 4 and Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship as well as a trip to nationals her sophomore year, she knew what strategies yielded success. However, she had to learn how to separate being a player from being a coach.

“It’s weird seeing it from the coach’s experience, but it was good and helpful. As a player, you don’t understand why the coach makes certain decisions. I always took that for granted. It’s hard and different,” Donald explained. “Overall, I think things went well this season.”

The Cyclones finished 11-14 overall with a 4-2 record in the conference, resulting in a three-way tie for second place. They advanced to the Region 4 District B quarterfinals but fell in their match with Harper College to end the season.

Among the highlights, Donald said the team earned wins against some tough teams and played well at the Waubonsee Crossover Tournament and the Dig Pink Classic. Even though competition was fierce at the Madison College Tournament in late October, it gave the Cyclones a chance to face strong opponents and motivated them to work harder and improve.

Among the hardest workers on the team was sophomore setter Cameron Szyszka (Sandburg). She collected 623 assists this season and added 102 kills. If she struggled, she never showed it on the court and was a team leader. She earned All-Conference second team and All-Region second team honors.

Sophomore outside hitter Chloe McGregor-Paterson (Sandburg) was a reserved leader who led the team with 280 kills. She earned All-Conference second team and All-Region second team honors. Sophomore right side hitter Amber Kingston (Oak Forest) collected 227 digs and 204 kills this season, also earning All-Conference second team.

Sophomore transfer libero Amanda Pocica (Stagg) was a leader in the back row, effective at reading blocks and efficient on the court. She led the team in digs with 519. Sophomore Keira Clancy (Oak Forest) was able to read the ball and was helpful as a middle blocker this season.

Donald looks forward to helping her players continue their education and volleyball careers at the next level but also will make sure her current athletes feel at home with the Cyclones. She will be in recruiting mode this winter and spring.

For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.