Seniors
Womens Volleyball
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Volleyball Honors Three Seniors

Manhattan, Kan.

MCC Volleyball will be honoring three seniors tonight after the match versus Emmaus Bible College, Grace Walker, Elise Corbett and Brenna McNellis. 

This group of seniors has 78 wins and only 28 losses, four Midwest Christian College Conference (MCCC) Regular Season Championship, three MCCC tournament championships, three National Tournament qualifications and two National Tournament appearances. The team could not participate in 2020 due to COVID. Last season, the team finished in third place at the National Tournament. This season, the team in on track for another MCCC tournament championship and is ranked #3 in the country in the Coaches Poll and #1 in the country in Power Rating. The seniors are looking forward to the Regional championships with hopes of winning a regional banner and earning another National Tournament appearance. 

 

Grace Walker, a middle hitter from Omaha, NE has been with the team for 4 years but took a medical red-shirt her Freshman year and has played the last three seasons as a starter. This season, Grace is also a captain, helping to lead the team on and off the court. She is averaging 1.88 kills/set with a total of 344 kills so far. She also has 51 aces, 267 digs and 80 blocks. Her average of .44 blocks/sets put her at #9 all-time blocks/set in the MCC Volleyball record book. 

Grace was awarded 1st Team All-Conference last season and has been a NCCAA Scholar Athlete the last two years. 

"Grace is peaking at just the right time this year, she has overcome a lot in her career here through several injuries. Starting at the National Tournament last season and throughout our season this year, Grace has continually stepped up her game and is a strong presence at the net and the service line." said Coach Sanders, "I am so proud of Grace's growth and leadership throughout her time here at MCC." 

Grace will graduate in December from MCC with a degree in Bible and Leadership and will finish her Psychology Degree at KSU next semester. After graduation, she plans to work in some type of ministry while continuing her education to work toward her PhD and goal of becoming Dr. Grace Walker. 

Elise Corbett, a setter from Oakley, KS has played four seasons with MCC after a redshirt year at Coffeyville Community College. She started her career as a libero at MCC but quickly transitioned to setter in her freshman year. Since then, she has been a dominant setter in the NCCAA. She has consistently been ranked in top three setters in the country. She currently has 115 kills, 2407 assists and 7.34 assists/set - both of which put her at #3 in the MCC volleyball record book. She has 1152 digs and 3.51 digs per set both of which also put her in the top ten record book. 

"Elise is one of the best setters is the country and our team is so blessed to have her leading our team. She is smart and delivers the ball well to her hitters. The season has been one of her best and we are looking forward to seeing what else she will do this year!" said Coach Sanders. 

Elise has had numerous awards over her career: 

2019 - 2nd Team All Conference, 2nd Team All Region

2020 - NCCAA Student Athlete of the Week, 1st Team All Conference, 2nd Team All Region

2021 - NCCAA Student Athlete of the Week, 1st Team All Conference, 1st Team All Region, 1st Team All American 

 

Elise will graduate from MCC with a Degree in Bible and Leadership and History from Kansas State University. 

Our final senior is Brenna McNellis a middle hitter from Wakeeney, KS. Brenna has also been a 4 year starter and is a captain this season. From the minute, Brenna stepped on the court, she has been one of the most dynamic and decorated players for MCC Volleyball. She holds records in 5 different statistical categories. McNellis has 870 kills (#7 all time kills), a .340 attacking percentage  (#4 all time attacking percentage), 2.66 kills per set (#6 all time kills/set), 99 aces, 364 digs, 179 blocks (#5 all time total blocks) and .55 blocks/set (#3 all time blocks/set.) 

"Brenna is one of the best hitters to come through MCC volleyball. Her growth over her 4 years has been tremendous, and she is consistently in the top 2-3 hitters in the country each and every year. This season seeing her excel defensively has been amazing to watch. Her blocking and back row defense have really developed to make her a well rounded player. She is definitely fun to watch!" said Coach Sanders. 

Her awards include: 

2019 - 1st Team All Conference, 2nd Team All Region

2020 - 1st Team All Conference, 2nd Team All Region, 2nd Team All American, AVCA All American

2021 - NCCAA Student Athlete of the Week, Conference MVP, Region MVP, 1st Team All American, AVCA All American, National All-Tournament Team and Scholar Athlete 

Brenna will graduate with a degree in Bible and Leadership with emphases in Counseling and Social Justice. Her plans are unknown but could include vocational ministry if the opportunity arises. 

This group of seniors have had an awesome four years and we are looking forward to see what all they accomplish this season!