@MizzouVB Summer Update: Kayla Caffey
5/31/2016 3:01:00 PM | Volleyball
Incoming freshman officially arrives to Columbia next Monday
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Volleyball enjoyed a memorable 2015 campaign, racking up 27 victories and an NCAA Tournament bid. The Tigers' 27 wins were the fifth-most in a single season in program history. Additionally, the success on the court marked the program's 12th all-time NCAA Tournament nod and seventh time advancing to the second round of the tournament under coaches Wayne Kreklow and Susan Kreklow.
The Tigers will bring back 11 players from a season ago, headlined by two-time All-American Carly Kan and 2015 All-Americans Kira Larson and Alyssa Munlyn. Mizzou is primed for another successful campaign in 2016 and the team officially begins offseason preparation in June.
Throughout the summer months, MUTigers.com will highlight individuals from the upcoming 2016 Tiger roster. In the first summer preview, we sat down with incoming freshman Kayla Caffey.
Caffey is a highly regarded high school prospect, as she was tabbed a 2015-16 Under Armour Honorable Mention All-American following her outstanding senior season at Mother McAuley High School in Chicago. She was also recognized as Daily Southtown/Chicago Tribune's 2015-16 High School Player of the Year.
Recently, Caffey has shined in club competition with the 18 National Michio Chicago Volleyball Academy. After placing third at the Mizuno SPVB President's Day Challenge in February, Caffey helped lead her club to a first place finish at the 18's Nationals in Milwaukee.
The Chicago native has already enjoyed her fair share of individual and team accolades during her youth career. As Caffey reflects on her high school and club tenure, a flood of positive memories and experiences come to light.
"Overall, high school and club volleyball were great experiences," Caffey said. "My favorite part about club ball was that you got to travel all over the U.S. for qualifiers and tournaments. Places you typically wouldn't go to on family vacations. The other great thing about club was that you got to mix with people from all over the area. High School ball was my favorite season though. I loved playing in the Mother McAuley gym with the entire community filling the stands."
Caffey is currently wrapping up her final week in Chicago and will be reporting to Columbia, Mo., in early June. She will soon begin offseason practices and training with her fellow Mizzou teammates. Caffey knows that she must be prepared for the changes between high school level competition and play with a major Division I volleyball program.
"I think it'll be like my sophomore year in high school," Caffey exclaimed. "It was my first year on the varsity team and after that first practice I went home and told my Mom that everyone was so much better than I was. As that season went on though, I was getting a hang of the drills and I felt like I was playing at that high level with the juniors and seniors. I'm ready for that adjustment period at Mizzou as well and ready to play at the next level with my Tiger teammates."
Like any other graduating senior who's preparing for their new life at college, Caffey has experienced a whirlwind of emotions recently. As she transitions into the Mizzou community, she's most excited for the times ahead with her fellow student-athletes.
"I'm most excited about all the things that go into Mizzou Athletics," Caffey said. "I love being a part of a team and I love the satisfaction of winning games after putting in hard work at practice. I also love other collegiate sports, so I hope to get to go and watch other teams and cheer on my fellow student-athletes."
Visit MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou Volleyball. You can also find the Tigers on social media by liking us on Facebook (Missouri Volleyball) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouVB).
