Editor’s note: Athlete of the month is released by ASB a week after the month ends. Stories on each athlete are delayed for this reason.
Stepping onto the court, Jaycee Mack’s (11) standout presence on the volleyball team earned her the November Female Athlete of the Month honor.
Mack’s skills and leadership qualities are seen through her impact on the team over the past three years.
As an outside hitter for her entire high school career, Mack is responsible for attacking from the left front, receiving serves, passing, blocking and being a main point scorer. Mack started playing volleyball competitively for the past eight years.
Mack committed to playing indoor volleyball at Baylor University starting in the Fall of 2027. For now, her sights are set on the club open division nationals that will commence later in her competitive Wave Volleyball Club season.
“Jaycee is going to have a great, bright future as a Division I athlete. There’s no question that she’s going to be a stud at the next level,” Varsity head coach Brennan Dean said.
For Mack, her sport is more than just a “mere competition of winning and losing”, but revolves around the “bonds” she builds with her teammates and others that volleyball gives her.
“The friendships I’ve made are something special,” Mack said. “It’s my favorite part of playing.”
Sophia Wu (11), a fellow teammate and friend, highlighted Mack’s contagious positivity and admirable consistency.
These connections she has developed fuel her success on the court, most notably helping her to “win the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) finals this year,” according to Mack.
“I enjoy the feeling of teamwork and achieving goals together as a team,” Mack said.
Balancing aspirations and academics along with social life “can be difficult” and asks for lots of discipline; however, Mack pursued.
“For me, time management is key,” Mack said. “I always make sure to schedule everything, and make sure to find time for homework, volleyball, and then my social life. I think a good balance is important.”
Along with life harmony, she hones in on her physical training and believes it’s “right there with mental training.”
To prepare her mindset, she likes to“ visualize success and focus on the positive, and what I can control, like my effort and attitude,” Mack said.
As for physical training off the court, Mack works with Performance Enhancement Specialist Noel Phillips, spending numerous hours in the gym.
Transitioning her gym work onto the court, Wu noted Mack’s serve-receive and powerful arm swing, adding that she is a well-rounded player.
“She’s not only good at attacking and blocking, but she can also pass and defend,” Wu said. “Jaycee stands out through her consistency and power. She always manages to stay positive even after mistakes.”
Mack’s advice to younger athletes reflects her approach to the sport of “having fun and staying patient.”
“It’s hard to grow when you’re miserable and trying to get everything done as fast as you can,” Mack said.
Dean emphasized Mack’s growth as a player, also noting her physicality and dedication.
“Jaycee is very physical, hardworking and committed to getting better every single day,” Dean said. “She’s really committed to her development, and the team’s development.”
After coaching Jaycee since the eighth grade at Wave Volleyball Club, Dean saw her progression, specifically pointing out her advancement this season and her ability to perform under pressure.
“I think the biggest areas of growth for Jaycee this season were developing her ‘clutchness,’ her ability to perform in high-pressure situations and to thrive in those big moments,” Dean said.
