Lutheran HS volleyball player Makenna Cox preparing to continue athletic career
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — There’s no question that 2021 was a once-in-a-generation year for the Lutheran High School (LuHi) volleyball team. The team took home fourth in state in class A. Makenna Cox was voted Female Athlete of the Year in the MSM Conference and her coach (and aunt), Katie McCulley, was named Coach of the Year across all sports. That’s a lot to hang your hat on, but the Crusaders have no intention of resting on past success.
“We have the entire team returning,” Katie says. “Although this may also be a challenge because we have to come back hungrier and not complacent. We have to work harder and smarter because we have a bullseye on our back.”
While their rivals may be extra motivated to take down the Crusaders, the expectations the team has set for themselves doesn’t equate to pressure — at least not for the team’s on-the-court leader.
“When I step on the court, I know I am going to give 110% no matter what and play like it’s my last game,” Makenna says. “Having this mentality helped us a lot last year and we have nothing to prove to people. We play for each other. The only pressure I feel is wanting to set a good example and be a great teammate and leader on and off the court.”
Makenna has set several goals for her senior season. She is aiming for another conference championship followed by another long run through the state tournament — hopefully concluding with a state championship. Her top individual goal is to finish her high school career with over 1,000 kills, an accomplishment that her mom and aunts all reached during their playing days at LuHi.
“It’s always been a goal of mine,” Makenna says. “I’m still hoping to hit it even though we had a shortened season my sophomore year. And again, just try to be the best leader on and off the court. Keep everyone calm on the court when the game gets tight.”
Katie, who is in her 16th year as the LuHi volleyball coach, cites Makenna’s ability to handle pressure and her willingness to be a vocal leader on the court as two of the reasons she has high hopes for the upcoming season. But she also has plenty of good things to say about the rest of the roster as well.
“Ali Davis should look to be even a bigger presence in the middle. We want her to contact the ball and terminate. She is also a huge block. Kaleigh Bergschnieder is incredibly athletic and agile. She will be huge opposite of Makenna. Caleina Herman is our setter and she looks to be playing smarter with the ball. I noticed how much harder she is working this summer. Our defense will be led by Anna Schleyhan and Piper Taylor, with some other younger girls stepping in when needed. And then we have Maddie Cox and Hope Carroll who have great attitudes and will do whatever it takes to help the team. Everyone has a key role to play and will need to step up and fill them effectively.”
Katie, who also serves as LuHi’s athletic director, returned to her alma mater after spending two years as an assistant coach at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, where she earned her MBA. A standout volleyball player at LuHi, she spent her college career at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, earning first team Great Lakes Valley Conference honors three times. In 2019, she was inducted into the Lewis University Flyers Hall of Fame.
Makenna will also be taking her volleyball career to the next level. After a long search, she recently committed to play at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO.
“Something just stuck out when I was there visiting and I knew it was going to be a good environment for me,” Makenna says. “I am super pumped to start there in the fall of ‘23. Committing has definitely taken a weight off my shoulders and now I can focus more on just playing volleyball.”
The Crusaders are certainly poised for a great 2022, but the season won’t be measured entirely on wins and losses. The camaraderie that has been built over the years is strong and extends throughout the small west side high school.
“I love the relationships I can make with my student-athletes. Having them in the classroom and then transferring that to the court is so fun. These girls are extensions of my family. I care about them more than just volleyball,” Katie says.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.