Beach Volleyball Has Shining Signing Class of Seven
11/15/2021 5:17:00 PM | Beach Volleyball
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A shining class of seven signees joins North Florida beach volleyball announced by head coach Doug Wright.
Mikayla Benanti, Katie Camp, Madison Espy, Kelly McConekey, Lauren Mohler, Mackenzie Murphy and Presley Murray are the names of the new Ospreys to join the UNF beach squad.
"The 2022 class is full of talent," head coach Doug Wright said. "Quite a few of these recruits could make an immediate impact in their first year. This whole class is chasing greatness, they have a next level commitment to the sport which is evident by their training and tournament schedules. I could not be more excited that this class is officially signed, and I can't wait to get them here next fall."
Mikayla Benanti
Hometown: Overland Park, Kan.
Height: 5-10
Previous School: Saint Thomas Aquinas
Honors and Statistics
Fun Facts and Personal Info
Coach Wright on Mikayla
"Mikayla is an offensive machine and she has a natural ability to get out of the sand and terminate the ball. In addition to being a great beach player, Mikayla is coming off an impressive indoor season that landed her a spot on the state all-star team. She is competitive and will be a great addition culturally to our team."
Why UNF?
"I fell in love with the amazing coaching staff. When I got to see the team play and the crazy cheers they were doing, I knew I wanted to go play for them."
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Katie Camp
Hometown: Canton, Georgia
Height: 5-8
Previous School: Cherokee HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
Fun Facts and Personal Info
Coach Wright on Katie
"Katie knows what it takes to be great and she is willing to do the extra work that is necessary to separate herself from the competition. She has trained really hard in the sand and in the weight room to be where she is today. Katie is a gritty player that will find a way to win."
Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the coaching staff and the team's desire to be the best they can be. It is also 15 minutes from the beach which is not a bad deal at all."
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Madison Espy
Hometown: Odessa, Fla.
Height: 5-6
Previous School: Steinbrenner HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
Fun Facts and Personal Info
Coach Wright on Madison
"Madison is a defensive stud, she is quick and it is rare that a ball will hit the sand without her touching it. She is a knowledgeable player that can manufacture different ways to score. She is a great teammate and will be a great addition to our culture."
Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the coaches that believed in me and the teammates that are dedicated to pushing each other to their greatest potential, as they all work towards one common goal. The program is growing so much and I am so excited to be a part of it."
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Kelly McConekey
Hometown: Wilmington, N.C.
Height: 5-11
Previous School: Coastal Christian HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
Fun Facts and Personal Info
Coach Wright on Kelly
"Kelly is an accomplished beach player who pursues excellence in everything she does. In addition to her beach accomplishments, she is a star in the classroom, and recently helped her high school indoor team win a state championship. Kelly has the intangibles we look for and will be a perfect fit for our culture."
Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because I loved the culture and their focus on growing not just the athlete but also every aspect of the person. I think that the academics at UNF will challenge me and the environment there will push me to be the best possible version of myself."
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Lauren Mohler
Hometown: Indiatlantic, Fla.
Height: 5-5
Previous School: Satellite HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
Fun Facts and Personal Info
Coach Wright on Lauren
"Lauren is a great defender who can get out of the sand and attack. In addition to beach, she has a lot of experience indoor as a libero and an outside hitter. Lauren is a team first player who has the intangible qualities we look for in student-athletes"
Why UNF?
"I was drawn by how the coaches are building the beach program. The roster, recruiting, new facilities and on-court results all point to what will be a national powerhouse program. I want to be a part of building that at UNF."
Â
Mackenzie Murphy
Hometown: Columbia, Ill.
Height: 5-9
Previous School: Columbia HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
Fun Facts and Personal Info
Coach Wright on Mackenzie
"Mackenzie has a relentless work ethic and has spent the last few years traveling most weekends all over the nation to compete in tournaments. She is a smart player, and has the competitive greatness we look for in student-athletes."
Why UNF?
"When I visited UNF, it felt like home. The UNF campus, the coaches, the players, the academics, and the beach volleyball facilities all felt like home to me and I knew UNF is where I am meant to be."
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Presley Murray
Hometown: Fort Pierce, Fla.
Height: 6-0
Previous School: Fort Pierce Central HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
Fun Facts and Personal Info
Coach Wright on Presley
"Presley is a physical presence at the net, she has an aggressive style of play and sees the court really well. She has had success in indoor volleyball, on the beach, and in the classroom. She is the epitome of what we are looking for in an student-athlete"Â
Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because I believe that in the future this school will be a top contender for making it to the national championships, and I would love to be a part of that process!"
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Mikayla Benanti, Katie Camp, Madison Espy, Kelly McConekey, Lauren Mohler, Mackenzie Murphy and Presley Murray are the names of the new Ospreys to join the UNF beach squad.
"The 2022 class is full of talent," head coach Doug Wright said. "Quite a few of these recruits could make an immediate impact in their first year. This whole class is chasing greatness, they have a next level commitment to the sport which is evident by their training and tournament schedules. I could not be more excited that this class is officially signed, and I can't wait to get them here next fall."
Mikayla Benanti
Hometown: Overland Park, Kan.
Height: 5-10
Previous School: Saint Thomas Aquinas
Honors and Statistics
- 2021 state volleyball champion
- Third in school history for serve percentage
- Seven years of indoor club volleyball experience
Fun Facts and Personal Info
- Daughter of Connie and Mike
- Has a twin, Camryn
- Presidential honor roll student
Coach Wright on Mikayla
"Mikayla is an offensive machine and she has a natural ability to get out of the sand and terminate the ball. In addition to being a great beach player, Mikayla is coming off an impressive indoor season that landed her a spot on the state all-star team. She is competitive and will be a great addition culturally to our team."
Why UNF?
"I fell in love with the amazing coaching staff. When I got to see the team play and the crazy cheers they were doing, I knew I wanted to go play for them."
Â
We've got A LOT to talk about with this signing class -- welcome to the #SWOOPLife, Mikayla! pic.twitter.com/c8lCSk9Va4
— OspreyBVB (@OspreyBVB) November 12, 2021
Katie Camp
Hometown: Canton, Georgia
Height: 5-8
Previous School: Cherokee HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
- All-state indoor volleyball
- Three years of indoor volleyball experience
- Four years of beach volleyball experience
Fun Facts and Personal Info
- Daughter of Patti and Adam Camp
- Has one sibling, Madeline, currently a freshman on the UNF roster
- Finished in the top 15 percent of her graduating class academically
- Intends to major in pre-med
Coach Wright on Katie
"Katie knows what it takes to be great and she is willing to do the extra work that is necessary to separate herself from the competition. She has trained really hard in the sand and in the weight room to be where she is today. Katie is a gritty player that will find a way to win."
Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the coaching staff and the team's desire to be the best they can be. It is also 15 minutes from the beach which is not a bad deal at all."
Â
Joining her sister on the squad, welcome to the #SWOOPLife, Katie!
— OspreyBVB (@OspreyBVB) November 15, 2021
??Canton, Ga.
??5-8
??All-state honoree pic.twitter.com/PZaYauX5d8
Madison Espy
Hometown: Odessa, Fla.
Height: 5-6
Previous School: Steinbrenner HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
- 2nd team all-county
- 2021 district champions
- 660 digs, 20 aces, 739 serve receptions
- Played club indoor volleyball with the Tampa Titans
- Played beach volleyball with Optimum Beach
Fun Facts and Personal Info
- Daughter of Michelle and Kevin Espy
- Has one sibling, Devyn
- Intends to major in sport management
- Uncle, Mark Mitchelson, played baseball in the Boston Red Sox organization
- Grandmother, Patricia Wagner, played tennis at Iowa
- Principal's honor roll student in high school
- Greatest inspiration: Pri Piantadosi Lima
- Favorite quote: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." -- Jeremiah 29:11
Coach Wright on Madison
"Madison is a defensive stud, she is quick and it is rare that a ball will hit the sand without her touching it. She is a knowledgeable player that can manufacture different ways to score. She is a great teammate and will be a great addition to our culture."
Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the coaches that believed in me and the teammates that are dedicated to pushing each other to their greatest potential, as they all work towards one common goal. The program is growing so much and I am so excited to be a part of it."
Â
We're excited to have you here at UNF, Madison!
— OspreyBVB (@OspreyBVB) November 12, 2021
?? Odessa, Fla.
?? 5-6
?? Tampa Titans (indoor) / Optimum Beach (Beach)#SWOOPLife pic.twitter.com/ymGcx6SSGU
Kelly McConekey
Hometown: Wilmington, N.C.
Height: 5-11
Previous School: Coastal Christian HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
- 2021 state champion
- 2021 Coastal Preps Offensive Player of the Year
- 2019-21 all-state team
- 2021 conference player of the year
- P1440 Fab 20 2021
- Led North Carolina in aces
- Area leader in kills
- Nine years of indoor volleyball experience
- Six years of beach volleyball experience
Fun Facts and Personal Info
- Intends to major in mechanical engineering
- Daughter of Carine and Robert McConekey
- Has two siblings, Megan and Ryan
- National Honor Society
- Best advice: Best piece of advice that I've received is that life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent of how you react to it
Coach Wright on Kelly
"Kelly is an accomplished beach player who pursues excellence in everything she does. In addition to her beach accomplishments, she is a star in the classroom, and recently helped her high school indoor team win a state championship. Kelly has the intangibles we look for and will be a perfect fit for our culture."
Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because I loved the culture and their focus on growing not just the athlete but also every aspect of the person. I think that the academics at UNF will challenge me and the environment there will push me to be the best possible version of myself."
Â
From up the east coast in Wilmington, N.C., welcome to UNF Kelly!
— OspreyBVB (@OspreyBVB) November 12, 2021
?? 5-11
?? 15 years combined experience (indoor & beach)#SWOOPLife pic.twitter.com/IpdKG6n4Gd
Lauren Mohler
Hometown: Indiatlantic, Fla.
Height: 5-5
Previous School: Satellite HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
- Three-time district champion.
- 2021 AVP America National Qualifier
- Numerous AVP America honors
- USAV and NVL medal finishes and national qualifications
- Three-time Brevard County High School Beach Volleyball Player of the Year
- 2019-20 and 2020-21 All-Cape Coast Conference (indoor volleyball)
- 2019-20 and 2020-21 indoor volleyball team captain
- Indoor volleyball letterwinner each year
- Sole freshman on the 2018 Satellite HS varsity volleyball team
- 2017 Nike Indoor Volleyball Camp "Up and Comer" honoree
Fun Facts and Personal Info
- Greatest inspiration is Michael Jordan
- Loves to draw and paint
- Daughter of Mark and Marlisa Mohler
- Intends to major in economics
- Ranked first in her class for unweighted GPA
- Earned the Charles B. Thomas Scholarship for excellence in academics award
Coach Wright on Lauren
"Lauren is a great defender who can get out of the sand and attack. In addition to beach, she has a lot of experience indoor as a libero and an outside hitter. Lauren is a team first player who has the intangible qualities we look for in student-athletes"
Why UNF?
"I was drawn by how the coaches are building the beach program. The roster, recruiting, new facilities and on-court results all point to what will be a national powerhouse program. I want to be a part of building that at UNF."
Â
Bringing in some big accolades to the #SWOOPLife, welcome to Lauren!
— OspreyBVB (@OspreyBVB) November 12, 2021
?? Winter Park, Fla.
?? 5-5
?? '21 AVP America National Qualifier pic.twitter.com/WiHGa1LwXQ
Mackenzie Murphy
Hometown: Columbia, Ill.
Height: 5-9
Previous School: Columbia HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
- First team all-conference and all-district
- Five years of experience with Rockwood Thunder.
- Six years of experience with Jaja Beach
Fun Facts and Personal Info
- Intends to major in exercise science
- Daughter of Michelle and Quinn Murphy
- Has one sibling, Dylan
- Mother, Michelle, played volleyball at Missouri
- Father, Quinn, played basketball at Drury
- National Honors Society member
- Was able to meet and train with Kerri Walsh for a week
Coach Wright on Mackenzie
"Mackenzie has a relentless work ethic and has spent the last few years traveling most weekends all over the nation to compete in tournaments. She is a smart player, and has the competitive greatness we look for in student-athletes."
Why UNF?
"When I visited UNF, it felt like home. The UNF campus, the coaches, the players, the academics, and the beach volleyball facilities all felt like home to me and I knew UNF is where I am meant to be."
Â
From Columbia, Ill., welcome to North Florida, Mackenzie!
— OspreyBVB (@OspreyBVB) November 12, 2021
?? 5-9
?? Rockwood Thunder (Indoor)
?? Jaja Beach (Beach)#SWOOPLife pic.twitter.com/H9OhmH3v6u
Presley Murray
Hometown: Fort Pierce, Fla.
Height: 6-0
Previous School: Fort Pierce Central HS
Honors and Statistics:Â
- 2021 AVCA Best and Brightest Award - First Team
- 2019 District Champion
- AVCA All-Region Team - Region 3 (2021)
- FACA All-Star (2021)
- Fort Pierce Central Volleyball Rookie of theYear (2019)
- Fort Pierce Central MVP (2021)
- 2021 AVCA All-America Watchlist
- 836 kills, 736 digs, 77 blocks, 135 aces
Fun Facts and Personal Info
- Intends to major in biology/pre-med
- Daughter of Kristin and Dylan Murray
- Has one sibling, Shalor
- Aunt, Aubrey, swam at Drexler University
- Biggest idol in the beach volleyball world is Alex Klineman
- Started playing indoor volleyball at age 11 and beach volleyball at 14
- Ranked first in her graduating class academically
Coach Wright on Presley
"Presley is a physical presence at the net, she has an aggressive style of play and sees the court really well. She has had success in indoor volleyball, on the beach, and in the classroom. She is the epitome of what we are looking for in an student-athlete"Â
Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because I believe that in the future this school will be a top contender for making it to the national championships, and I would love to be a part of that process!"
Â
A 6-0 baller from Fort Pierce, Fla., welcome to the #SWOOPLife, Presley!
— OspreyBVB (@OspreyBVB) November 12, 2021
?? 2021 AVCA All-America Watchlist
?? 2021 AVCA Best and Brightest Award- First Team pic.twitter.com/P9ixXYG0u4
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