MCC Volleyball signs pair of Colorado players for 2023-24

The McCook Community College volleyball team has added two more players for the 2023-2024 roster according to Coach Hayley Kobza.

MCC's latest commitments are Lexi Schaefer of Fleming, Colo., and Kenzie Waggoner of Kit Carson High School, also in Colorado. Schaefer is a 5-3 defensive specialist/libero and Waggoner is a 5-9 outside hitter.

"Not only am I excited to have Lexi as a part of 2023 team, but the returners are too. Lexi had so much energy and enthusiasm on our visit, so I know she will fit right into our team and our culture," said Kobza. "And Kenzie is a strong player that I know will be able to come in and add to our team offensively."

Schaefer appeared in four Colorado state championship tournaments and finished with one championship and three state runner-up finishes. She was an all-conference honorable mention her sophomore and junior years, named all-conference and first-team all-state her senior year.

"I chose MCC because I felt like a part of the family from the moment that I walked onto the campus," Schaefer said. "From the staff to the coaches, to the players, everyone was very welcoming, and I knew that it would be a good fit for me."

Her favorite high school volleyball memory came in her freshman year when her team beat the top-ranked team in the semi-finals then swept Briggsdale in the state championship match.

She also played in three state basketball championships. She received all-conference honorable mention in her sophomore and junior seasons and went to state in long and triple jump, the 100-meter relay, and 200-meter relay. She was all-state in track in her last year.

She said she is excited to bond and play with new teammates and make life-long friendships.

"I know that not only will I be working and improving for myself but for the rest of my team and my coaches as well," Schaefer said. "I also know that the players and coaches will push me to be the best version of myself."

Over her four years on the volleyball court, she played in 337 sets with 1,134 digs and 75 aces.

"With our returner Greta Bolognini and Lexi, I know we will have a strong defensive system," said Kobza.

Like Schaeffer, Kenzie Waggoner enjoyed success on the court as a freshman, received honorable mention all-conference as a sophomore and all-conference first-team her final two years and all-state as a senior.

"I chose McCook because of the atmosphere. When I walked in to meet Coach Kobza, I could immediately tell that she knew what she was doing, and she was good at what she did," Waggoner said. "The girls made me feel as if I have been there for the season, they welcomed me, helped me, and also pushed me to be better in just one practice."

In her career she had 848 kills in 310 sets, with 897 digs, 132 aces and 82 total blocks. The Wildcats went 22-6 this past year.

"I am looking forward to improving my defense the most in my college career," she said. She played all over the court for Kit Carson including setter, libero, outside, middle, and right side. "But defense is something I really enjoy playing, because it helps me as a hitter, and I can see the court better."

She is also looking forward to becoming a better hitter on the outside and wants to become an all-around player that her teammates can trust and believe in.

"Kenzie is talented across the net, so I know if need be, she can really play anywhere on the front row. She has been a part of a successful program and that always helps with the mentality that they can bring to our culture," Kobza said. "We are excited to have Kenzie and looking forward to watching her grow as a volleyball player the next two years."

Her most memorable moment in high school was beating Wiley on Oct. 3 in five sets, and having 22 kills and 20 digs.