No matter the task, ND's Summer McCauley was the solution

On the volleyball court, there isn't much Sommer McCauley can't do.

Whether it's hitting, serving, playing defense or passing -- which was her main chore for Notre Dame in her three years on the varsity squad -- McCauley has excelled at all of it.

McCauley's versatility on the volleyball court helped to make her this year's Southeast Missourian volleyball player of the year.

As a senior, McCauley led the team in assists, aces, placed second on the team in kills and led the team in digs this season. About the only thing McCauley didn't do for the Class 3 final-four qualifiers was block.

"She's one of the best players I've ever seen," Notre Dame coach Tara Stroup said. "She's the complete package."

McCauley's work ethic allows her to succeed at whatever she sets out to do on the court. This season it helped her keep her team ranked No. 1 in the SEMO Top 10 throughout the season.

"I like working hard at everything I do," McCauley said. "I try to make myself better."

McCauley, despite standing 5-foot-6, is an explosive hitter whose jumping ability allows her to thrive above the net. On a Bulldogs team that featured balance, McCauley was called upon to dish out more than she hits down.

An area of McCauley's game that has become even more important under this year's rally scoring format is her serve. This year McCauley recorded 61 aces, once again leading the team.

"She's just such a fierce competitor," Stroup said. "She wants to win, and she will push herself."

McCauley said mastering so many difficult skills -- and making them look easy -- is one of the sport's perks.

"I just like it because you have to be able to do so many things," she said.

McCauley has been a vital part of a team that won 90 matches over three seasons. The Bulldogs went to the Class 2 final four in McCauley's sophomore season and have made the transition to Class 3 with consecutive district titles, including its final-four appearance this season.

Notre Dame's run this season included a win over St. Francis Borgia in the quarterfinals. Borgia, a Class 3 volleyball power, eliminated the Bulldogs the previous season in the sectionals.

"Just beating St. Francis Borgia," she said, "we always wanted to beat them."

It was another memory for an already memorable season.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

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