MaxPreps Weekly Honor Roll, presented by the United States Marine Corps: Mackenzie Schermann, Riverton Parke

Mackenzie Schermann is a coach's dream on the volleyball court.

She's a stat-stuffer who fills up nearly every category during a match. Her versatility is a big reason way the junior at Riverton Parke (Montezuma, Ind.) is such a valuable player.

Schermann, who is a six-rotation player, closed out her second year as a starter by tallying 211 digs, 109 kills, 108 service receptions, 69 service aces and 54 blocks.

"She's a good passer, excellent server," Riverton Parke volleyball coach John Memmer said. "She leads in aces and points. She would probably lead the team in kills, but I have one girl that's just totally awesome, outstanding. Mackenzie is an all-around good player, she really is. She makes good decisions on the floor."

Schermann is technically a middle hitter, but can play any position. The 17-year-old doesn't have a problem not specializing in one area.

"I kind of like being a utility player, because I get to experience different spots on the floor," said Schermann, who picked up volleyball in seventh grade. "It would probably be easier just to specialize, but I don't want to do that."

Because of that versatility, Memmer is looking at moving Schermann to an outside hitter next season. The longtime coach said his team leader is playing out of position.

"She'll do what is necessary for the team," Memmer said.

There are a lot of exceptional parts to Schermann's game, but her serving ability is what stands out to Memmer. She's very good at spot serving.

During one eight-game stretch this past season, Schermann came through with 33 aces.

"I try to take a lot of pride in my serving because it's something that's easy and it's not contested, basically," Schermann said. "When you go up for a hit, there's blockers there, so you don't always get to get a kill. But if you're serving, you can get as many aces as you want."

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Schermann turned a corner this year as a leader, being one of two junior team captains. She loves helping out the young players on the team.

Schermann was on the varsity team as a freshman, playing in 22 sets. Memmer watched Schermann rapidly progress into a starter as a sophomore.

"She's done really an excellent job," Memmer said. "She's a very coachable girl and she's got a lot of athletic ability. For her as a middle hitter, she's made great strides. And she's an intelligent player."

What has aided Schermann become a better volleyball player over the years is her being so well-rounded as an athlete. She's also a multi-year starter in basketball and softball, and has been awarded All-Region in all three sports.

"I think it helps her in overall conditioning, she's fit all the time," Memmer said. "I know there's an argument for, some people say, ‘Hey, concentrate on one sport.' At Riverton, we're a small school and if you have an excellent athlete you kind of need them in everything."

Schermann's basketball season recently got underway. She's in her third season on varsity, second as a starter. At 5-foot-8, Schermann isn't the tallest girl on the court, but she's a utility player who isn't afraid to mix it up in the post. As a sophomore, she averaged 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.

Volleyball and basketball are important sports for Schermann, but her best sport is softball. She's been starting since she was a freshman, pitching as well as first base and outfield. Schermann is versatile on the diamond as well. Shocking.

Schermann was a dominant hitter as a sophomore, posting a .580 batting average with 47 hits, 35 RBIs and 27 runs scored.

She also pitched in two-thirds of her team's games last season, finishing with a 10-3 record and a pair of shutouts. Schermann enjoys pitching and being in control of a game.

"As a pitcher if you start doing really good and are striking people out, your whole team gets excited and then they just want to keep playing," said Schermann, who is starting to attract interest from college programs. "It's really fun, especially during like sectionals and big conference games when you can pitch a shutout or strike one of the best players out, it's an adrenaline rush."
Schermann is an accomplished athlete, but also a sound student. Her grade point average is 3.8, and she would like that figure to keep climbing in hopes of being her class valedictorian or salutatorian.

"She makes good decisions on the floor, but also outside of school," Memmer said. "As a coach, I don't have to worry about her. She's a leadership type of person and an excellent student."

Schermann is involved in plenty of school clubs, including student council (she is the vice president), National Honor Society, Spell Bowl (her team placed sixth at state this year) and Academic Bowl.

She also sets aside time in her hectic schedule to volunteer in her small, close-knit community. Through student council, she's worked the county's Covered Bridge Festival. Schermann has also been a part of 501st Legion, which dresses up as Star Wars characters and raises money for charities.

Schermann is always happy to sacrifice a day of rest and relaxing on a weekend in favor of getting out and volunteering.

"I just love being around people and spending my time with people and getting to know things about people that I didn't before," Schermann said. "I like the feeling you get when you do something good for another person and it makes them happy."

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