Over winter break, the NJCAA announced the volleyball All-American teams. Featured on the teams were setter Kaci Johnson and hitter Carly Wazac of the Kirkwood Eagles.
Johnson was featured on the first team for the second consecutive season, while Wazac made the second team.
“It feels pretty good,” said Johnson following the announcement. “Coming to Kirkwood, I didn’t know what type of player I was gonna be, but I feel my coaches and teammates just supported me a lot and were able to give me the success that I was able to have by believing in me and allowing me to play.”
Johnson tallied 330 kills and 759 assists, both good for second on the Eagles. She also led the team in points with 408.5.
Being named to an All-American team was a goal of Carly Wazac’s going back to the beginning of the season, but at first, she didn’t realize just how realistic that goal was.
“It’s very surreal. I didn’t know something like this would be possible. I knew I was a good player, but I didn’t realize how big of an impact I can make.”
She continued, “It’s a big deal, and I’m very honored.”
Wazac led the Eagles in kills with 364 and third in blocks with 81 while also trailing only Johnson on the team in points at 408.
Johnson reflected on her time playing for Kirkwood Community College, saying that, while the team may not have reached the heights they had hoped for, she has no regrets.
“I loved playing for Dave (Brown) both years and both of the groups of girls. They were all super talented,” she added.
Praise for Head Coach David Brown and their teammates came from both players as Wazac also credited the team around her and their belief for her success.
Looking to the future, Wazac intends to return to the Eagles for her sophomore season with high hopes for taking a second-year leap.
“I wanna win,” she triumphantly stated. “I wanna win it all. I talked with Dave; there’s nine months until our season starts, so that’s nine months for everyone to get better. Nine months to become the player that I wanna see myself become.”
For the other All-American Eagle, Johnson has committed to Lindenwood University, continuing her collegiate career at the NCAA Division I level.
Categories: Sports, Volleyball
