Molly McCage determined to succeed for Klein Collins volleyball

If you had told Klein Collins (Spring, Texas) senior Molly McCage six years ago that she would one day play for a world championship in some Eastern European country, she most certainly would have thought you were crazy.

"I started playing volleyball in seventh grade because my friends were playing and I was terrible," said McCage, who played for the Team USA Youth National Squad in Turkey this summer. "I made the B team and could not serve a ball over the net to save my life, but the more I played, the more I loved it."

That kind of enthusiasm, and love for the game, has made McCage one of the top middle hitters in the country.

"For as long as I have known her she wants what is best for the team and those around her," said Klein Collins coach Beverly Murphy. "She is such a special person and athlete because she leads others by the example she sets. For a young lady to be this talented, hard-working, ambitious and motivated, yet humble, is an amazing feat."

McCage has much to be proud of. She set a school record for blocks as a sophomore with 147 and she made all-district second team last year despite missing much of the season with a finger injury. She also landed a spot on the Youth National Squad, which led to some memorable moments for her this summer.

"The most memorable moment I've had as a volleyball player came this summer playing for Team USA," said McCage. "It is such an honor to be representing my country through the sport I love."

McCage's love for the sport has grown ever since she first started in seventh grade and it began to blossom when she joined the varsity team as a freshman, according to Murphy.

"You could see the natural talent she had as an eighth grader and you knew she would be a phenomenal player," said Murphy. "Then one day in practice during her freshman year, she blocked one of the seniors. By the look in her eyes, I knew she was determined to be the best volleyball player she could be."

McCage's best asset is her jumping ability, according to Murphy. Although 6-foot-3, McCage can also get off the ground.

"Wow, what a vertical she has," said Murphy. "Her blocking is one of her best qualities. Hitting is also very strong. Her slide approach is very fluid and powerful along with her vertical. She is hard to stop at the high school level."

McCage comes from an athletic family. Her father played basketball at Rice and Sam Houston State University while her uncle Sam played football for Louisiana State. Her two brothers also play football in college with Nathan at UTEP and Collin at Evangel University.

Not all of McCage's success comes from natural ability, however. She also credits youth national coach Jim Stone with helping her along the way.

"I've learned so much from him as a player and as a person," said McCage. "He has taught me the value of the game and that each and every point is worth fighting for. I wouldn't be where I am today without him."

McCage has verbally committed to the University of Texas and she says she is not considering any other schools. While some athletes are stressed by recruiting, McCage has actually enjoyed the process.

"It was actually a lot of fun," she said. "I didn't get that stressed like everyone said I would. I loved touring schools like LSU, Purdue, Texas A&M and University of Texas. All the schools I visited were great and I knew I couldn't go wrong with any one of them, but in the end I chose UT. It just felt like home.

"I can't wait to get to UT," she added. "I'm looking forward to the high level of competition and working with the players and coaching staff. It'll be such a great experience."

McCage says she enjoys watching the women's national volleyball team play, especially Stacy Sykora.

"I try to emulate Stacy Sykora, her court demeanor is so powerful," said McCage. "She fights for every point and leads her team so well. And she's also a good person off the court, which is very important to me."

McCage plays with a strong group of players at Klein Collins, including outside hitter Heidi Otto, return specialist Kaili Crow, middle blocker Kristen Stehling and setter Amy South. McCage feels the team has enough talent to go far in the playoffs this year.

"We should go deep in the playoffs this year," she said. "We have a very physically strong team and I think this year we have the right mindset."

McCage also feels that the friendships developed on the volleyball court are built to last.

"Camaraderie is the best thing about volleyball," she said. "I'm with these girls every day and we all develop such a bond that will carry throughout high school and even when we graduate and all go our separate ways."