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Shadow Creek's Mackenzie Collins
RETURN OF THE MACK: Shadow Creek's Collins back to elevate revitalized program
It is rare to find a volleyball player who excels in not one, but two sports, to the degree that Shadow Creek’s Mackenzie Collins has.
This Fall will mark Collins’ second debut with the Sharks, following her transfer from Episcopal midway through the previous school year.
After garnering All-SPC recognition in volleyball, the Texas A&M volleyball-commit proceeded to take gold in the 300m Hurdles event at the UIL Track & Field State Championships, in addition to being a staple for the Shadow Creek relay team.
Did we mention that she is a twin? Michael Collins is the star of the Shark boys’ basketball team and also a college level recruit.
Iron sharpens iron inside the Collins’ household, which bodes well for volleyball team. With a bona fide star racking up kills, Shadow Creek has that go-to athlete to propel them beyond the first-round of the postseason, where the Sharks were halted in 2023.
Volleyball is a team game, but with Collins in the lineup, look for the Sharks to be on attack in 2024.
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VYPE: What’s the transition been like after moving back to Shadow Creek from Episcopal during last school year?
COLLINS: “The transition has been really seamless. I have been at Shadow Creek since my freshman year. Everyone was very welcoming and happy to see me back. Shadow Creek has always been so supportive and Episcopal was great to me as well. I enjoyed my time there.”
VYPE: If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would that be and why?
COLLINS: “I would choose Sydney McLaughlin. She’s not only a phenomenal athlete, but she also seems to be a great human being, and a God-fearing competitor. She has accomplished so much for USA Track & Field, being one of the fastest women in the 400m, 200m and 400m Hurdles, as well as helping her team in the 4x400 relay. She motivates me not to limit myself.”
VYPE: You are now both a volleyball and track star for Shadow Creek. How do you balance both sports, which require tireless dedication?
COLLINS: “I’ve been doing track since I was 5-years-old, so that comes second nature to me. Volleyball has become a sport that I truly have fun playing. I just have to make sure that I am giving my body enough time to recover in between meets and games, even if that means altering my workout schedule. I also try my best to make sure that I am fueling my body with healthy food.”
VYPE: What was it about Texas A&M that made you ultimately decide to commit?
COLLINS: “It was the coaching staff, culture and I felt like I could be myself there. From the moment I stepped campus, I knew that’s where I wanted to be. Everything about the experience was so positive.”
VYPE: What are your favorite movies or TV shows.
COLLINS: “Shawshank Redemption is my favorite, and I also really enjoy Love and Basketball and Wonder. In terms of shows, I’ve got to go with Ginny and Georgia and All American.”
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Lutheran South Academy's Kirra Musgrove
RESETTING THE STANDARD: Musgrove enters final season as the face of LSA Volleyball
In terms of H-Town private school volleyball, there have been few players more proficient than that of Kirra Musgrove.
As Lutheran South Academy’s leading setter, Musgrove has been the face of the franchise for the last three years, as she enters her fourth on the heels of guiding the Pioneers to the TAPPS-5A title game.
The 2023 first-team, all-state selection will be taking her talents to Texas A&M University a year from now. However, she and LSA will be anticipating a return to State this Fall, with the intention of taking gold this time around.
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VYPE: After reaching the TAPPS-5A state championship in 2023, how are you and LSA preparing for the ensuing season?
MUSGROVE: “After being so close to winning State we all know the feeling of being right there. So, we are all coming in training and working really hard this season in order to have a chance at returning this year and giving it our all.”
VYPE: All-time favorite movie and/or TV show?
MUSGROVE: “I honestly don’t really watch many movies or shows, but one of my favorite shows to watch is Gossip Girl.”
VYPE: What are you most looking forward to about Texas A&M?
MUSGROVE: “I’m looking forward to the amount I’m going to grow as a person and player, along with all the amazing new teammates and coaches I will get to have along the way.”
VYPE: What’s been the most fun moment in your volleyball career?
MUSGROVE: “Getting the opportunity to train for the U19 national team while getting to make friends and train with a lot of talented girls from around the country.”
VYPE: Who’s the person you look up to the most and why?
MUSGROVE: “I look up to my Mom the most because she has always set a good example and has been a good role model to me.”