Mya Donnelly Emerges as a Leader for Lincoln-Way Central Volleyball Team

Two years ago, Mya Donnelly began her journey with Lincoln-Way Central as a freshman on the varsity volleyball team. The experience of learning from older teammates proved invaluable. Now, as a junior standing 5-foot-11, Donnelly steps into a mentorship role, guiding freshman Erin Sammon and sophomores Leah Freiberg, Madison Rademacher, Tessa Garcia, and Zoey Terrell.

Donnelly has embraced the chance to lead. “I had girls who were leaders for me and now I get to lead the underclassmen,” she said. “I put myself in their shoes and know how I felt on varsity. I was so scared.”

Donnelly’s initial fears have diminished. Her performance has become a threat to opponents. During a recent match, she achieved 11 kills, including eight crucial ones in the second game. This led Lincoln-Way Central to a 14-25, 25-14, 25-20 nonconference victory against Class 2A contender Chicago Christian.

Ella Thompson contributed seven kills for Lincoln-Way Central (1-0) as Terrell delivered four aces. Garcia recorded 11 assists, and Isabella Bendoraitis added 10 assists. Quinn Grevengoed led Chicago Christian (0-1) with 12 kills, supported by Ella Agema’s nine kills and Grace Gordon’s six aces.

Donnelly’s influence reshaped the momentum after an 11-point defeat in the first game. Her impactful plays during a four-point stretch propelled the Knights to an 8-5 advantage.

“Something just clicked with me and I knew I had to go out there with leadership and confidence,” Donnelly reflected. “Hitting down the line is my big thing. That’s what I can do the best.”

Bendoraitis displayed strategic service skills, achieving three aces consecutively to conclude the second game. Thompson excelled in the finale with four kills, while Terrell’s contributions included three aces, two kills, and a block.

Reflecting on the first-game challenges, Donnelly said, “In the first set, we weren’t connecting that well as a team. We had a hard time with our serve-receive. But after that, we started playing really well and our bench was loud.”

Coach Amy Bernhard acknowledged the team’s nerves during the initial game. Improved sets from Bendoraitis and Garcia enhanced hitter performance, leading to greater control.

“Mya got on a run and she can be wonderful for us when her sets are there,” Bernhard shared. “I see her as a leader out there even though she’s not even a senior yet.”

Donnelly’s volleyball journey began in second grade, following dissatisfaction with cheerleading.

“I absolutely hated cheerleading, so my mom signed me up for something new,” she explained, “I really love volleyball and I’ve stuck with it.”

The camaraderie in the sport adds to Donnelly’s enjoyment.

“Being close on and off the court with my teammates helps mentally,” she stated. “It’s fun. You have a team culture. You get to show what you can do.”