GCC's steady force McClymonds the constant on defense for Wolvernines
GROVE CITY — To some, having three coaches in four years would be seen as a negative.
Not to Katie McClymonds, a Slippery Rock High graduate and senior defensive specialist on the Grove City College volleyball team.
“I think it's been a blessing to our team,” McClymonds said. “We're learned a lot from each of the coaches we've had. They had a different way of doing things, different drills, but we've learned a lot from each of them. Each one has been a delight.”
Leo Sayles is the current coach. In his first season, he has the Wolverines sitting at 6-2 after a 7-19 campaign in 2018.
McClymonds' play in the back row has been one of the reasons for the early turnaround.
McClymonds has played every set and leads Grove City with 117 digs. She also has four service aces.
Playing a physically demanding position of libero — her first season in that role for the Wolverines — doesn't faze McClymonds.
She's been playing there most of her career — since she first put on knee pads at the age of 10.
“I just really enjoy the game,” McClymonds said. “The way I prepare is I think of how much I love the sport and how God has given me the ability to play the game. I've learned a lot of life lessons from volleyball.”
McClymonds has also stayed “practically injury free,” she said, even though she is sprawled on the hard floor most of the time making difficult digs.
The key to her success has been her ability to read hitters.
“Knowing where they're going to hit it before they hit it is huge,” McClymonds said. “I think it's a skill that comes over time.”
McClymonds was a star at libero at Slippery Rock High, making the Butler Eagle Girls Volleyball Honor Roll during her junior and senior seasons.
In her youth, if it was a sport McClymonds probably played it.
“I played soccer,” she said. “I also played baseball with the boys and softball with the girls.”
But volleyball took over.
“I played softball during my freshman and sophomore years at Slippery Rock, but then I really got into club volleyball.”
Her softball career wasn't over, however.
During her sophomore year at Grove City College, she joined the softball team and hit .333 in limited action.
“I loved meeting the girls,” McClymonds said. “It was different, but it was a great and rewarding experience. Every once in a while I'll see the coach (Kristen Cramer) on campus. She'll ask me about my life and I'll ask her about hers. It's great.”
But it's on the volleyball court where McClymonds has flourished.
She had a breakout junior season last year, leading the team in digs with 466, which was good enough to rank seventh in the Presidents' Athletic Conference.
Not bad considering the Portersville native has the demanding major of biology with a minor in psychology.
“I enjoy playing volleyball and having a rigorous major,” McClymonds said. “That's kind of the nerd in me — I enjoy studying. It sounds counter-intuitive, but I think playing a sport helps.”
