Camden Catholic junior Emily O’Donnell had never played volleyball before taking the court as a freshman two seasons ago.
Now, she’s a rising star among the best outside hitters in South Jersey. It just shows what a little practice can do.
“My middle school didn’t have a team, but when I saw that Camden Catholic had a team, I definitely wanted to play for them, so I tried out,” O’Donnell said. “I started playing club for the last two years, and I just practiced a lot. I started practicing at my house every single night. And I still do it now.”
Practicing volleyball by yourself isn’t something easily accomplished. She asked her father to help, despite dad also having no volleyball experience.
“I have a net in my yard,” she said. “And my dad just throws a ball at me and I’ll hit it back or pass it, whatever I can do to get better.”
O’Donnell is a smart student with a 4.5 grade point average at Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill. She excels in quantum physics, so she was sure she could figure out the sport of volleyball. At first, she joined the Irish and played on the freshman team with a bunch of other girls in the same situation to get her feet wet.
As O’Donnell put in the hard work, the coaching staff took notice.
“She was one of the hardest hitters I had seen and one of the nicest human beings I had ever met,” Irish coach Alex Kish said. “She came up to varsity last year and got a few touches and really worked on her game over this past summer. With each game, you’re going to really see her stand out as one of the best hitters in South Jersey.”
O’Donnell sharpened her skills at Eastern Volleyball Academy in Glassboro before recently joining Princeton Volleyball Club, where she pursues the sport year-round. She’s also part of her school’s Latin Club and student government. She previously played ice hockey and lacrosse before focusing on volleyball.
“I just love everything about volleyball. It’s fast-paced, and I like diving and running around,” she said.
O’Donnell’s work ethic and skill have been opening college coaches’ eyes. Her natural personality has made her admired among her peers.
“She is a full team player,” Kish said. “I just watched her grow, and now she’s going to college camps and has colleges looking at her. She’s one of the best teammates. She shows up early, and she’s excited to play volleyball. From a coach, that’s what you’re looking for.”
As a team, the Irish are also looking to continue to break new ground. Last year, they went 11-7 and tied a program record by advancing past the first round of the state playoffs for the third time in school history. They’re hoping to take the next step this season. After a 3-1 start to the season, they’re on the right track.
“Everyone is really great on this team, so I’m hoping we can do something special,” O’Donnell said.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
