Get to know Carroll HS volleyball player, USC commit Kaylee Young
SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Kaylee Young was first introduced to volleyball in 3rd grade when her parents signed her up for the town鈥檚 rec league, and the rest is history! She instantly fell in love with the sport and just completed her senior season at Carroll High School where she served as the Varsity team captain and an outside hitter/right side hitter. She committed to USC to play at the collegiate level. The cherry on top of this final high school season was playing alongside her sister, Kinsley, a freshman.
We caught up with Kaylee, #14, to discuss her personal achievements and the team鈥檚 as well as what comes next in her volleyball journey. Her approach to the game and how she leads others is inspiring, and we wish her continued success as she prepares to head West.
VARSITY SEASON
This season was amazing. My team fought through lots of adversity in a challenging district to earn a playoff spot. We made it to round three where we fell to district opponent Keller in a 5 set heartbreaker. I am so proud of all we accomplished, and I can鈥檛 wait to see where this program goes in the future. Coach Tanaka (new this year) has poured his heart and soul into this volleyball team and done everything necessary to help it thrive. I love the structure he has brought to practices and the unique drills he was able to incorporate from his experience coaching at a collegiate level.
ACHIEVEMENTS
I am extremely proud I got to serve as our team鈥檚 captain this year. I felt honored to be trusted in this way to help lead the entire program. It is not an easy job to take on, but it was so worth it. Being able to help impact my teammates鈥� lives in a positive way and serving as a role model is what I aimed to do. I am also proud to be in Carroll Medical Academy and have an interest in medicine. Another memorable moment for me was when my Madsand team won Nationals this past summer.
INSPIRATION
My mom is my biggest inspiration on and off the court. She played basketball at TCU and won a WAC Championship. I knew from a young age that I wanted to follow in her footsteps and play Division 1. She is the hardest worker in any room she walks into, and I always strive to emulate her work ethic. Playing with my younger sister Kinsley also motivated me this year. I had the best season of my life with her on my team. Her competitiveness inspires me daily to be better and put even more effort in. Finishing my final season with her at Carroll is more than I ever could have asked for!
PRE-GAME RITUALS
I am somewhat reserved and was known as the 鈥淢om鈥� on the team, BUT I started doing the worm (dance move) this year to loosen the team up a bit during pregame, and it turned into a new tradition. We even got opposing teams/coaches doing it before an awards presentation at a football game this fall. I brought the new ritual out to USC where I did the worm on camera during our recruits鈥� photo shoot! I guess my alter ego emerges from time to time.
WHAT鈥橲 NEXT
I will be attending USC where I will continue my volleyball career and study Neuroscience. I鈥檓 so excited for this next chapter. My parents always pushed me to be my best in every aspect of life. They encouraged me to pursue the things I loved to the best of my ability, and I can鈥檛 wait to do just that at USC. I鈥檒l miss my family though鈥鈥檝e been lucky to have my grandparents just down the street and two cousins in high school here in Southlake.
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