Two players on the Judah varsity volleyball team were named members of the ECIC all-conference team this year: junior setter Mackenzie Jackson and junior middle blocker Avoni Kelly. Senior outside hitter Riley Pritts was an honorable mention.
Being named to the all-conference team is an impressive feat. Every season, the head coaches of the eight East Central Illinois Conference teams vote for who they believe are the most valuable players on each opposing team. If a player gets enough votes, they join the all-conference team. We asked all three Judah volleyball stars seven questions about their love for volleyball. Here are their answers, as well as their stats from this season.
—Braden Laird, class of ’25
Mackenzie Jackson
✫ Sets Played 67
✫ Aces 20
✫ Digs 92
✫ Kills 53
✫ Assists 496
➢ Mackenzie, how long have you played volleyball?
I’ve been playing volleyball for six years. I started Judah volleyball in sixth grade and club volleyball in seventh grade.
➢ What is your favorite part of playing the game?
My favorite part is meeting new people. You get to meet all these people from different schools and make new friends. It’s nice to play with people I’ve known for years as well.
➢ How do you prepare for a game? What gets you in the zone?
I like to pump rap music and eat food before a game. I will eat a whole meal, like Chick-fil-A mac-and-cheese and fries.
➢ What is your favorite volleyball memory?
Winning regionals last season. I’m so proud of that team and loved sharing that moment with the girls and coaches. Afterward the team and the fans went to El Toro to celebrate, and it was a lot of fun.
➢ Who inspired you to play volleyball? Who are your role models?
My parents are my biggest role models. My dad was really into sports when he was in high school and college, and my mom convinced me to try volleyball.
➢ When do you believe you have played your best?
I know I’m playing my best when I am being consistent. As a setter, this means that I provide the same set every time. I’m the bridge that puts everything together.
➢ What do you think makes Judah volleyball different?
The coaches. Judah’s coaches want to help. They work with us and don’t just tell us what to do. They make Judah volleyball special.
Avoni Kelly
✫ Sets Played 67
✫ Aces 55
✫ Digs 38
✫ Kills 247
✫ Blocks 55
➢ Avoni, how long have you played volleyball?
I’ve been playing for six years. I started playing, both at Judah and for club, in sixth grade.
➢ What is your favorite part of playing the game?
I love the energy we get. The excitement I get from my teammates makes me so happy. We can all give each other the energy we need to play our best.
➢ How do you prepare for a game? What gets you in the zone?
I like to decompress. I listen to worship music and know that I’m playing for God. This helps me lock in so I’m ready to play.
➢ What is your favorite volleyball memory?
After every point, Riley and I look at each other and scream. It makes me feel so happy, accomplished, and confident. It drives me to work and play harder.
➢ Who inspired you to play volleyball? Who are your role models?
Watching girls like Abi Tapuaiga and Ava Carder made me want to try playing volleyball. When I came in as freshman, Hannah Jackson and Klementine Davis were role models for me. They set a good example of what it is to be a good athlete and love the sport.
➢ When do you believe you have played your best?
I put in my best when I’m trying to find strategies to get that energy up. I know I’m doing a good job as a blocker when I get good blocks and have good positions on the court.
➢ What do you think makes Judah volleyball different?
The unity makes Judah volleyball different. It’s different from other teams because we bond in practices and in devotions. We do things together outside of volleyball, and it helps us grow closer. Overall, it’s amazing to have these girls I can count on.
Riley Pritts
✫ Sets Played 67
✫ Aces 35
✫ Digs 171
✫ Kills 87
✫ Receives 204
➢ Riley, how long have you played volleyball?
I started playing volleyball in third grade for a club called Illini Elite.
➢ What is your favorite part of playing the game?
I love the competitive aspect of volleyball and how you really have to commit and put in the effort. I also love connecting with the girls and having a community.
➢ How do you prepare for a game? What gets you in the zone?
I prepare for a game by listening to good music, stretching out with Maggie Newell, and talking to my teammates before the game. What gets me in the zone is knowing the opponent and how good they are.
➢ What is your favorite volleyball memory?
Every time Avoni and I would get a good block, we would look at each other, lock eyes, and yell our faces off.
➢ Who inspired you to play volleyball? Who are your role models?
The person who inspired me to play was my sister Maggie. She started off playing at Judah and Illini Elite, and I saw how much she loved the sport. I loved coming to her games and watching her play. I fell in love with volleyball and knew I wanted to play too.
➢ When do you believe you have played your best?
I know I’m playing my best when I’m in the right zone and my team is playing their best. It strengthens me to know I have my team behind me.
➢ What do you think makes Judah volleyball different?
The community is the biggest difference about Judah. Because it’s a small school, we all connect and have close relationships with everyone. We grow together and fight for each other. We even take time before practices to do devotions and grow in our faith.
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