McLennan Community College is launching its first-ever women’s volleyball program this fall, giving students the chance to compete at the collegiate level for the first time.
Inside the Highlands gym, volleyballs bounce across the floor as student-athletes practice, preparing for a season that starts from scratch but carries big hopes.
Head coach Kyle Anema said many people underestimate the competitiveness of junior college sports.
"I think when you say junior college, a lot of people don’t think that sports are competitive. It’s very much the opposite,"Anema said.
MCC marks Anema's first head coaching job, after two seasons as assistant with the Naval Academy and University of North Alabama.
Anema got his start playing at a junior college before joining Vanguard University’s inaugural team. He says that experience helps him better relate to his players.
"I lived it as a player. I know kind of what their thoughts are, what their feelings are," he said.
For player Kaydence Lopez, being part of the first team is both nerve-wracking and exciting.
"We’ll be here known as the first team ever," Lopez said.
The Highlanders got a last-minute invite to the Wrangler Ranger Roundup, playing their first games sooner than expected. They finished the tournament 2-2, giving the team a confidence boost heading into the regular season.
"We’re holding ourselves to a higher standard now. We’re going to come out and play as strong as possible, no matter what the outcome," Lopez said.
She said the team is playing like they have something to prove.
"We’re a lot better than what people probably think because we’re a first-time team," she said.
While early wins are important, Anema said his focus this season goes beyond scores. He wants to build a culture that lasts.
"Culture is not about yourself, it’s not about how successful you are," he said.
It’s also why the team won’t be wearing last names on their jerseys this year. Anema wants players to focus on unity.
"We fight for the same purpose. We compete for the school. When the girl next to you succeeds, you succeed," he said.
"We tell them all the time: good people playing good volleyball."
Freshman Kate Charlo said she’s already feeling that team culture.
"It feels like home, even though I’m three hours away. It feels like I have my own family here," she said.
The Highlanders hope that mix of character and competition will define MCC Volleyball for years to come. The team plays its first in-season game tomorrow against conference champions Weatherford College.
Got a tip? Email Molly-Jo Tilton at Molly-jo_tilton@baylor.edu.
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