BRADENTON, Fla. — MacKenzie Schmucker spent her entire high school career setting others up for success.

This Lakewood Ranch High School senior held one of the most unselfish positions on the volleyball court, and set up others to get all the glory with the highlight spikes and kills.

But don’t underestimate the power of assisting. 

“MacKenzie is the total package,” said head coach Perri Hankins. “Oh my gosh, we are going to win when she is on the court.”

In helping set up others, Schmucker's set herself up for success — all that she’s done on the court has provided opportunities to play at the next level, which she will do at Converse University in South Carolina. 

“I’m just excited to continue playing the game that I love,” Schmucker said. “I mean, there’s nothing more than that.”

Volleyball has always been a favorite of Schmucker's — she said there was just something about the sport that drew her to it. 

“It was just instant love,” she said. “Being on a team with all the girls every time, it’s just, like, adding, like, a second family that you thought you would never have, but someone you can always count on.”

This past season, Schmucker led the Mustangs in aces, digs and assists. She’s equally committed to posting impressive stats in the classroom, like her 4.4 GPA that put her in the top 10% of her graduating class.

“I’m competitive in pretty much everything I do,” she said. “Especially, I have an older sister and as much as you don’t want to compare yourself, but whatever she accomplished, I wanted to accomplish, especially in school. I pushed myself to become top 10% of my class. 

“And every single time I go into a classroom, I want to thrive as much as I can. I want to get that A. I want to push myself.”

“She is so competitive,” Hankins said. “She drives her team to win. She’s always out there helping everybody on the court, letting them know where they’re supposed to be.”

Schmucker plans to bring that infectious competitive spirit to college where she looks forward to amping up her game. She says volleyball has given her so much, and has set her on a successful path.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself through volleyball,” Schmucker said. “I found myself to be more outgoing when I’m on the court. It’s just that working with other people, it just, it helps along the way and I know it’s going to help me in my future.”