This season Westside volleyball’s newest addition to the team, junior Makenzie Wingett has always been making an impact on the court. Former Millard North Mustang, Wingett is second in the state with 43.6%. Additionally, she is 11th in the state for kills with 67 and 13th in the state for total blocks with 15. Wingett was even awarded player of the game against Papillion La Vista after getting three kills and finishing with a 29.4% hitting percentage. This season, Wingett wanted to take this talent and help her new team as much as she could this season. But the question that is to be asked is this, what was the draw for Wingett to come to Westside.
“I came to Westside because of my relations with the girls on the team and with the coaches,” Wingett said. “I would say I bring a lot of energy to the team, along with adding to an already very offensive front row.”
A tight knit relationship amongst a team and a coach is vital for a sport such as volleyball. To all operate at the same level and on the same mindset, there needs to be a strong connection. Especially for a junior transfer. Most of these girls have been working together for a year or two and Wingett has been thrown into the fray of all that has been previously established. Head coach Andrew Wehrli has seen first hand how she has already begun to integrate herself on the new team and discusses how he has helped with the process.
“It started with her being a good teammate,” Wehrli said. “She is super positive and encouraging to everyone. Then she had a breakout performance against Millard West leading our team in kills and hitting efficiency. It is always great when you have players that are great teammates and can perform at a high level.”
So far she has been a necessary factor on the court, helping lead her team to a 6-1 record so far. Notable wins on the season have been against #5 Elkhorn South and also a third place finish in the Bellevue West invitational. Additionally the team has made it to 10-1 and was recently ranked the number one team in Nebraska. Looking forward, Wingett hopes to harness her skills in this new environment. Additionally, she wants to build up not only her own skills, but the skills of the people around her.
“Long term, I’m looking to support the team from the foundation up,” Wingett said. “By the end of high school I want to be as college ready as possible, and I really believe this program will help me and the other girls get there.”
Already, Wehrli and Wingett have been going to work together and trying to hammer out some inconsistencies in her game.
“One of my goals for Westside Volleyball is to win championships, but also prepare kids for college sports,” Wehrli said. “Mack is a dominant high school middle! She has the potential to be a 6-rotation pin hitter at the next level. Mack is working on improving her back row play. We are working on her ball control, serve receive, and serving. She is very coachable and strives to make progress in the gym every day.”
In addition to this, Wehrli has noticed how Wingett has been able to make a name and find a role for herself on this new team. Coach Wehrli attributes this to Wingetts natural personality and positive attitude she has on the court.
“It was pretty easy,” Wehrli said. “Mack is outgoing and started making friends with the VB team this summer. She made a lot of great connections through our summer team camps. She already had a solid foundation and understanding of our team systems from past experience working with me.”
Most important for the new transfer, is that she fits in on the new team. So far, Wingett feels at home and understands the importance of a bond amongst teammates.
“I’ve enjoyed the relationships with the girls on the team,” Wingett said. “They’ve all been very welcoming and I’ve loved getting to know each and every one of them. Everyone also is very competitive, so practices are really fun and always have some type of edge to them.”
Coming up, Westisde will face Burke Sept, 24th.
