The Woodlands (Texas) is one of the top teams expected to compete in the 5A playoffs out of the Houston area this year and standout hitter
Katie Messing is the reason why.
A force at the net for the past four seasons, Messing has become one of the nation's top outside hitters, a talent she first developed as far back as eighth grade according to Highlander coach Leslie Madison.
Katie Messing, the Woodlands
Photo courtesy of Katie Messing
"From the time she was a freshman she was a special player," said Madison. "Obviously she had her height at 6’4" but her volleyball skills were so impressive at such a young age. Arm swing, passing ability, etc. I knew when I first saw her play in eighth grade she would play at the next level."
Messing has become one of the nation's top players, earning a spot on the MaxPreps Preseason All-American team. She has also won a number of awards in Texas and played for Team USA this summer. Messing says she hopes the Highlanders can at least match their performance from last year.
"My goal is to contribute all the way around and make the most of my last year," said Messing. "We want to get further in the playoffs than last year and we hope to win the district title this year as well."
The Woodlands was 40-7 last year and advanced to the fourth round of the Texas 5A state playoffs. Messing led the team with 560 kills and 73 blocks while also picking up 153 digs. So far this year, The Woodlands is 22-9 with Messing in the middle of another strong season. She has 348 kills with 50 blocks and 145 digs.
While Messing is known for her powerful hitting ability, Madison says that her star senior is an all-around player.
"Katie has a tremendous arm swing which fuels a lot of power," said Madison. "She is consistent on the back row as well which is not something most tall players possess. Her practice performance like her match performance is consistent both in attitude and ability."
As a junior, Messing was all-state and was the ESPN Rise Junior of the Year. She also earned All-Greater Houston First Team honors, was co-offensive MVP in Montgomery County and was on the Lonestarvolleyball.com All-Texas team. She culminated her year by landing a spot on the USA Youth National Team.
"My most memorable moment as a volleyball player was finding out I made the Youth National Team and was going to travel to Thailand to represent the USA at the World Championships," said Messing.
Katie Messing, the Woodlands
Photo courtesy of Katie Messing
A hot college prospect since her freshman season, Messing chose the Pepperdine University, a choice that was near the top of her list from the very start of the recruiting process.
"Ever since freshman year I pretty much knew I wanted to go to Pepperdine, but I had to 'leave my options open' until I matured a little bit," said Messing. "My parents wanted me to make sure I was old enough to know what I wanted. So I waited, and visited almost 10 other schools — which made me even more confident that Pepperdine was right for me."
Messing says the thought of playing at the Division I level is an exciting one.
"I am so excited to finally be getting to that stage in my career. High school has been great, but I feel like I have been here forever," she said. "It will be thrilling to be in an atmosphere where everyone is as good or better than myself. I love everything about Pepperdine – the coaches, the team, the campus, etc. It seems to be the perfect fit for me."
Madison, who Messing says has been the most influential person in her young volleyball career, says Messing's attitude on and off the court make her a winner.
"Katie is very intelligent both on and off the court. She is witty and mature for her age," said Madison. "Katie also possesses a very consistent demeanor which makes her a reliable person on the court. Katie also has a great sense of humor and is friendly."
Messing also believes that coachability has been the key to her success.
"Being coachable is the most important aspect of volleyball. When I switched clubs, I made an effort to listen to everything my coach, Scott Mayhew, had to say," she said. "Our coaches are experienced and know way more about the sport and our body mechanics. He fixed my arm swing during my freshman year and I think that was the most important thing that has been done for me."
Messing realizes that her high school volleyball days are winding down, which makes her appreciate the time she has left with her teammates.
"The memories created with the team off the court are the best things about high school volleyball," said Messing. "Once I’m old and my skill is gone, some of the best memories in my life will just be from high school volleyball and being with my close-knit team."
