Summit’s Star Setter Reflects on Journey to Taylor University and Senior Season Goals

Few players have made as dramatic a transformation as Mackenna Welsh. The Summit High School senior setter, who recently committed to play volleyball at Taylor University, exemplifies what can happen when raw athletic ability meets dedicated coaching and an unrelenting work ethic.

“I really did not know that much about the sport of volleyball, I was just pretty athletic and had good hands,” Welsh reflects on her freshman year when Summit coach Tony Martins made a pivotal decision. “He was able to see potential in me that no one else did. And because he did this, I found my passion for the sport.”

That leap of faith has paid dividends for both Welsh and the Summit volleyball program. Now in her senior season, Welsh sits at 725 career assists, within striking distance of the coveted 1,000-assist milestone. Her journey from volleyball novice to one of New Jersey’s premier setters represents more than just individual achievement; it’s a testament to the power of opportunity meeting preparation.

Building a Championship Foundation

Summit’s current 2-1 start to the 2025 season reflects the team’s competitive spirit and Welsh’s leadership on the court. “We have had a pretty busy start to the season, but a good one,” Welsh notes. “Our record is 2-1, with wins against Scotch Plains and New Providence. I think that our biggest strength is our offense and our hustle.”

The Hilltoppers have already captured hardware this season, winning their initial tournament in 2025. “Yesterday, we also won the Heal the Children Tournament, and I am so proud of my team for getting the win! I have seen so much growth already in our team, and I can’t wait to see what happens the rest of the season.”

Welsh’s statistical production through the early season has been impressive, recording 65 assists across three games while contributing 9 kills, 14 digs, and 5 service aces. Her versatility as both a setter and occasional outside hitter provides Summit with tactical flexibility that opponents struggle to counter.

The Supporting Cast

Summit’s success extends well beyond Welsh’s playmaking ability. The team features a dynamic group of players who have formed strong chemistry both on and off the court. “Team chemistry is pretty good right now, and it’s really fun getting to know a new group of people especially since we have a lot of newcomers!” Welsh explains.

Leading the offensive charge is sophomore outside hitter Claire Jesionowski, who has emerged as a force in her first varsity season. With 25 kills through eight sets played, Jesionowski has established herself as one of Welsh’s primary targets. “Claire Jesionowski is a sophomore outside hitter that is a newcomer this year, but is making a big impact. Not only is she one of the starting outsides, but she is doing really well.”

Senior outside hitter Natalie Wu brings veteran leadership and consistency to the front row, contributing 9 kills while serving as a reliable option in Summit’s offensive system. “Natalie Wu, a senior outside hitter, is also a newcomer, but she is super consistent, and very fast.”

In the middle, senior Molly Devaney has been at the top of her game. Her 20 kills in limited action showcase the potential that Welsh is excited to utilize. “Molly Devaney is a returning senior middle who can really put the ball away. Last year she had an ankle injury for most of the season, but I am really happy to have her back, and I really love setting the middle. It is a key part of the offense that helps to open up the net for the pins.”

The defensive backbone of the team is anchored by senior libero Maren Heary, whose 26 digs and competitive mentality have caught Welsh’s attention. “I also have seen a ton of growth from Maren Heary, our starting libero, not just regarding her skill level but also her mentality. She is always hungry to get better and is super competitive.”

Navigating Elite Competition

Summit competes in the highly competitive UCC Watchung Division, where three teams rank among the state’s top 20. The level of competition has pushed Welsh and her teammates to elevate their game consistently. “This is our second year in the Watchung Division, which is a pretty competitive one. Three teams in it are in the top 20 in the state.”

The team’s primary challengers include traditional powers Union Catholic, Westfield and Governor Livingston, matchups that will test Summit’s championship aspirations. “Our biggest competition in our division is Westfield and Governor Livingston.”

Last season’s run established a foundation for this year’s goals. “Last year we made it to the county semifinals, and our goal is to make it there again! We also are hoping to make it to sectional finals for states this year.”

Personal Milestones and Team Leadership

Beyond team success, Welsh has set specific individual benchmarks for her senior campaign. The 1,000-assist milestone represents both personal achievement and a testament to her teammates’ offensive production. “I have a couple of personal goals for this season. The first one is to reach 1,000 assists. I am currently at 725 right now, so hopefully I get there this season!”

However, statistical achievements take a backseat to Welsh’s focus on leadership and team chemistry. “Also, I am trying my best to be the best teammate that I can be, even when I get frustrated when we aren’t playing well. I also just want to have fun playing the sport that I love, and to end my senior season with a bang!”

Her career statistics reflect consistent improvement across all facets of the game. After recording just 53 assists in limited action during her sophomore season, Welsh exploded for 580 assists as a junior while adding 65 kills, 135 digs, and 62 aces. Her ability to contribute in multiple statistical categories demonstrates the well-rounded skill set that attracted college recruiters.

The Path to Taylor University

Welsh’s recruitment journey reflects her evolution from multi-sport athlete to volleyball specialist. “I always knew that I wanted to play a college sport, but it was a matter of which one. In middle school, I thought it was going to be softball or basketball. But once I got to high school, I fell in love with the sport of volleyball.”

The decision to commit to Taylor University came after careful consideration of multiple factors beyond just volleyball. “The reason why I picked Taylor is because it checked off all of the boxes that I was looking for in a school. It has a strong christian community, is a small school, and it isn’t in the Northeast. And, most importantly, it has really good volleyball.”

Welsh’s commitment represents the culmination of years of dedication both on and off the court. “I feel as though I have always been a goal oriented person, and playing volleyball in college was something that I have wanted so badly. The fact that that dream has actually become a reality is so cool to me. Honestly, it is the result of a lot of hard work put in behind the scenes, many prayers, and a really strong support system.”

The Foundation of Success

Welsh credits multiple influences for her development, beginning with Coach Martins’ initial faith in her abilities. “My high school coach, Coach Martins, has played a key part in my volleyball career because he took a chance on me freshman year bringing me up to varsity.”

Sideout Sports has provided the club-level training that elevated Welsh’s game to collegiate standards. “Sideout Sports has probably played the most crucial role in my success. I genuinely love it there, and it is like a second family to me. The coaches there are so incredible, and not only do they love volleyball, but they try to be the best coaches that they possibly can be.”

The training environment at Sideout has instilled a mentality that aligns with Welsh’s natural competitive drive. “I also love the mentality that all of the coaches enforce, which emphasizes hustle, working hard, and never being satisfied with your performance. You always have to be hungry to get better. The environment is so competitive and I love it.”

Family support has provided the emotional foundation that allowed Welsh to pursue her volleyball dreams without external pressure. “Additionally, I am so so grateful for my family and the strong support system that they are. I have never felt as though I have been pressured to do good in a game, or play on a certain team. They have given me independence, but also have led by example.”

Looking Ahead

As Summit prepares for the bulk of their season schedule, Welsh’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. The team’s early success has established momentum, but the most difficult tests await in division play and tournament competition.

Welsh’s perspective on the season ahead reflects both confidence and realism about the work required to achieve their goals. “Yes! I am hoping that we will end up with a better record than last season, and am looking forward to the many games we have ahead!”

For Welsh personally, the senior season represents both an ending and a beginning. While her high school career draws to a close, the foundation she has built through four years of growth positions her well for the next chapter at Taylor University.

“I feel beyond lucky and I am so excited for this next chapter!” Welsh says, summarizing the journey that has taken her from an athletic freshman learning volleyball basics to a college commit leading Summit’s championship aspirations.

As the season progresses, Welsh’s pursuit of 1,000 career assists will serve as a individual storyline within Summit’s larger team goals. But regardless of statistical milestones, her transformation from volleyball novice to elite player represents a success story that extends far beyond the court, embodying the potential that emerges when opportunity, hard work, and unwavering support combine to create something special.