Collinsville High School senior Mackenzie Weygand is a member of the varsity volleyball team. As a senior, Weygand said she loves being a member of the team and one of the leaders on the floor.
“I absolutely love my team. We play as a unit and not as individuals. We celebrate each other, we encourage each other. When one player is having a bad set, we let them know we have their back, and we work hard to fill in their gap until they get back into their groove. My team is a ‘we don’t quit’ kind of team. No one wants to let anyone down and of course I can’t forget or discount our team locker room dance parties. We really are just like one big fun family,” said Weygand. “Being a leader on the team is an honor. We have a lot of different grades on our team. I see everyone in our program as a player, not as a freshman or sophomore but as a Cardinal volleyball player. I always try to encourage the players- texting them after games, letting them know I’m proud of them. Being loud on the court, taking control, letting the coach, coach the girls and I follow up with how I believe in them, and they have next ball.”
Weygand is a defensive specialist for Collinsville and between school, club ball, and tennis she rarely has any time off.
“I have played volleyball for six years for school and five years club volleyball. So for the last five years I have basically played volleyball year round,” Weygand said. “My sophomore year I took up tennis to keep in shape. I had never picked up a racket before that year but ended up doing really well and making state that year and my junior year.”
Weygand said she would like to play volleyball at the next level.
“After I graduate, I would love to go somewhere and play volleyball. I am uncertain in what path I want to take, but I am interested in Education.”
Family is important to Weygand, and they have supported her every step of the way.
“The biggest influence in my life has to be, hands down, my mom and my grandparents. My mom is a single mom who is always there for me. She has taught me to welcome competition, and to use it to push and work hard to better myself. My mom always has my back and has unconditional love. My grandparents are amazing. I actually wear the No. 3 in honor of my Papa, it was his number,” said Weygand.
