COLONY — Crest High senior McKenna Hammond was an integral piece in her volleyball team earning a school-record 27 wins this past fall.
The senior Lady Lancer signed her national letter of intent Thursday to play at Neosho Community College. Hammond has certainly left quite the fingerprints on Crest’s program which also won the Three Rivers League this past season.
“I’m so excited to go to college, I’ve always dreamed of it and I love playing volleyball,” said Hammond. “I’ve worked really hard and I have a great support system like my coaches and my family, they’ve just been really supportive to me.”
The serving line proved one of Hammond’s strongest skills down the stretch. In Hammond’s final match of her high school career she managed four kills, a block, seven digs and an 88% mark from the serving line.
In her senior night matchup with Southeast-Cherokee and Yates Center, Hammond had a 92% success rate from the serving line, going 22-of-24 on serves. She also had 10 kills, 14 digs and a block.
As strong as Hammond was on the offensive end, she matched it with her defensive ability on the other end. Hammond also served well at Uniontown when she collected five aces. Hammond’s fiery presence on the floor also helped her in big time situations.
“I’d hope they would say I’m loud, happy and full of energy because I love playing,” said Hammond of how she hopes her teammates would describe her. “Supportive.”
Hammond was certainly supportive when she was seeing the floor and playing good defense. Especially in a home tri-school meet when Crest hosted Marmaton Valley and St. Paul and Hammond racked up 21 digs and eight kills.
The Lady Lancer knows the support that has come along with the Crest High volleyball team the last four years was unlike anything she could fathom. Crest head coach Abigail Hermreck is credited with much of Hammond’s growth and success throughout high school.
“My middle school coach really showed me volleyball and I’ve always managed volleyball and Abby (Hermreck) would always work with me,” Hammond said. “She really helped me through the process and she made me fall in love with it.”
Hammond wrapped up basketball season Thursday evening, and will set her sights on softball.
