Mikaela Worley of Milton High School will take her volleyball skills to the University of Louisiana at Monroe after recently signing a full ride scholarship with the university.
MHS Volleyball Coach Chelsey Adams said Worley will not only bring her athletic talent but her intellect as well to the Warhawks volleyball court.
“(Worley) has and always will have that kill instinct you want your players to have,” Adams said. “She has such a high IQ for volleyball…and (she) knows how and when it’s time to terminate a ball in any situation.”
Adams believes Worley will be a very valuable asset for the Warhawks.
“She is also a very dynamic player with a lot of versatility (and) being able to play multiple positions on the court has prepared her well for what is to take place at the collegiate level,” Adams said.
Worley plans to play at outside position for Warhawks, the same position she played for the Panthers. She also plans to bring the same work ethic with her to Louisiana.
“(I plan) to work hard no matter what and no matter what circumstances I’m in,” Worley said.
In addition to coach Adams, Worley said her work ethic is inherited, thanks to her parents and siblings who also played collegiate sports.
“Most of my success is due to my family,” Worley said. “They taught me how and what it takes to be successful. (They) forced me to work out even on those days when I did not want to.”
Adams also credited Worley as being the “glue” for the Panther volleyball team over the past four years.
“On and off the court she has been able to encourage and push the girls to be better players, and give them insights to the game of volleyball,” Adams said.
Worley said the teamwork aspect is one of the main reasons why she enjoys the sport.
“It’s not just one person… you have to have five other people working together all of the time in order to succeed,” Worley said.
Worley said she will be one of six seniors to graduate this year, but she is confident in where the team is heading.
“It’s up to the seniors of next year. I have been along (side) with them for the past two years now and they can all step up and put the team in the right direction,” Worley said.
Outside the realm of volleyball, Worley said she is interested in pursuing a degree in biology.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Volleyball: Worley opts for University of Louisiana at Monroe