In the summer of 2023, Cailey Allen discovered her passion for volleyball, and it has transformed her life. She plays for Legacy as a Libero, a position that allows her to shine in defense with quick reflexes and unwavering calmness under pressure. The energy of the game fuels her spirit as she supports her teammates and brings intensity to every point. This love for volleyball drives her to dedicate weekends and breaks to training hard, making the sport an integral part of who she is.

How did you get started playing volleyball, and what made you fall in love with the sport?
In the summer of 2023, I discovered my passion for volleyball, and it has transformed my life. The energy of the game fuels my spirit as I support my teammates and shine in defense with quick reflexes and unwavering calmness under pressure. This love for volleyball drives me to dedicate my weekends and breaks to training hard, making the sport an integral part of who I am.

Who has been the most influential person in your volleyball journey so far?
Throughout my time playing volleyball, I’ve met so many amazing people who’ve really made a difference in my experience. My mom was always there for me, cheering me on and getting me excited about the sport. Then there were my first club coaches, Jen, Sadie, and Natalie, who shared their knowledge and boosted my confidence, helping me improve my skills. Each of them has left a mark on my journey.

Looking back at 2023, the year I first hit the court, I can see how these connections have fueled my love for the game and helped me grow, both as a player and as a person. My 7th-grade coach, Coach Gorman, really stood out in my development. She showed me the basics of volleyball and pushed me to keep going, even when things got tough.

What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I play as a Libero/Defensive Specialist (DS). I love being a Libero because one of my best skills on the court is passing, along with overall defense. As a Libero, I specialize in back-row defense, serve receive, covering court space, diving, and more. Being vocal is essential in this position, and since I’m naturally loud, I enjoy cheering for my teammates both on and off the court. While I may not be able to spike the ball like some hitters, I take pride in setting up plays with accurate passes.

How do you balance academics, volleyball, and personal time during the season?
Juggling academics, volleyball, and personal activities can be a struggle, and this season posed its own unique challenges for me. With my involvement in musical theater, my schedule felt overwhelmingly full at times. Finding moments to relax and connect with friends became essential, so I cherished those sleepovers, FaceTime calls, and brief chats at school. To manage my studies while navigating this hectic schedule, I made the most of my study hall time and any little pockets of free time I had before practices. It’s a constant balancing act, but I learned to prioritize my well-being with all the demands.

What’s your favorite memory from your volleyball experience?
One of the most cherished memories from my volleyball journey is when my team achieved going undefeated and taking first place at the Rhode Island Rumble tournament. It was such an emotional experience, especially considering the numerous close calls that pushed us to the brink of third sets. In those moments of uncertainty, we rallied together, supporting one another and fighting for every single point. Earning that medal meant the world to me, especially since this was my first official year playing club volleyball. It’s a moment I hold deeply in my heart, a beautiful milestone in my journey that I will always treasure.

What’s a typical training day like for you during the season?
A typical training day for me during the season is often a whirlwind of activities and time management challenges. My involvement in musical theater means I frequently stay after school for rehearsals, which can sometimes overlap inconveniently with my scheduled practice times. To navigate them both, I’ve had to get creative and flexible.

Before diving into theater commitments, I make it a point to change quickly into my rehearsal attire and tackle as much schoolwork as I can, maximizing my time on campus. My mom plays a crucial role in this balancing act—she drives me to my practices, ensuring I can make it even if I have to leave rehearsal slightly early. I remember often eating a quick meal of pasta in the car, trying to refuel before I hit the court. These long days can be exhausting, but the thrill of my activities keeps me motivated, and the support from my mom helps me juggle both my passions successfully.

How would you describe your team’s chemistry this season?
During my first official season with the volleyball club, my team was incredibly welcoming. Even though they had been playing together since they were 9 years old, they made me feel as though I had been part of the team forever. We always laughed and enjoyed our time together, both on and off the court. It felt amazing to be part of a group of ten girls who felt like my sisters, and we truly had fantastic chemistry.

What’s one drill or workout you secretly enjoy (or hate to love)?
I have to admit, there’s one drill that I secretly enjoy, even if most of my teammates aren’t fans of it—it’s called “Two Touch.” In this drill, two players take the court, and the goal is to make two touches before passing the ball. It’s a fun way to work on our skills, even if it can be a bit challenging!

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game or big tournament?
To prepare for a big tournament, I prioritize having a solid meal the night before to properly fuel my body. I also incorporate stretching into my routine to prevent injuries and aim to go to bed a bit earlier than usual to ensure I’m well-rested. Mentally, I focus on maintaining positive thoughts, and I enjoy listening to hip-hop on my headphones. This approach helps me develop a winning mindset and perform at my best.

What personal goals have you set for yourself this season?
As I look ahead to the upcoming season, my main goal is to develop consistency. I believe that by dedicating myself to a regular practice routine, I can improve my skills and make them second nature. I am excited to see how this focus on consistency will lead to significant improvements and help me reach new levels of performance!

What’s a piece of advice you’ve received from a coach that stuck with you?
One piece of advice that has really stuck with me is the comparison between volleyball and science. While it may sound silly, volleyball is quite similar to this academic subject. Recently, Coach Justin from SOS asked me a simple question: “How does the ball hit the floor?” I initially responded with what I thought was the “volleyball answer”: “The ball hits the floor when you don’t get your platform under it.” However, I realized that I had made the explanation overly complicated—the actual answer is just “gravity.”

I learned that in order to get the ball to target, you need to identify the center point that separates the distance between you and your target. For the ball to land perfectly in your setter’s hands, it should be at its highest point over that center point. For instance, if you are six feet away from your setter, you should aim to push the ball three feet. Once it reaches its highest point, gravity will pull the ball the remaining three feet to your setter.

What motivates you to keep pushing through tough practices or losses?
Whenever I encounter a bad practice, a disappointing game, or a loss, I remind myself of how far I’ve come. Many volleyball players, especially those on club teams, start playing between the ages of 7 and 9. Since I began later, at the age of 12, I had to work hard to catch up to their level. Improving my skills while addressing bad habits and learning new techniques has been a challenge. However, despite these obstacles, giving up is not an option for me because volleyball is the sport I truly love.

Where do you see yourself in volleyball over the next 3–5 years?
My ultimate dream over the next 3 to 5 years is to play college volleyball while studying Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Intelligence. I am determined to make a positive impact while balancing both sports and academics. Later in my career, I hope to play professional volleyball on a LOVB team, and I aspire to represent the United States on the USA Volleyball team one day.

How do you handle pressure during close matches or high-stakes points?
During close games that are typically very stressful, I manage pressure by bringing energy to the court. When the game is tight and my teammates start to feel discouraged—whether I’m playing or waiting to be subbed in—I focus on cheering them on and spreading positive vibes. This not only motivates my teammates but also uplifts our entire team. When the energy is high, we tend to perform at our best, and we have demonstrated this repeatedly.

Favorite volleyball player or team you look up to?
One of my favorite volleyball players is Lexi Rodriguez. She embodies excellence both on and off the court. I admire her energy, skills, and the powerful presence she brings as a player.

A team I truly look up to is Penn State. My second-grade teacher, Ms. Gurman, a proud alumna, instilled deep school pride in our class. I treasure countless videos and Penn State gear, including moments of myself passionately shouting, “We are Penn State!” Their recent NCAA Division I win amplified my admiration for the team and the vibrant spirit, skill, and unity they represent.

Do you have any pre-game rituals, superstitions, or pump-up songs?
Aside from enjoying two mini packs of Nerds Gummy Clusters, I love listening to my Spotify playlist while heading to the convention center and while I’m preparing. My current favorite hype song is “Me Or Sum.”

What’s your go-to post-tournament meal or snack?
After a tournament, I usually don’t feel hungry; instead, I’m extremely tired. On my way home from a tournament or even practice, if there’s a Wendy’s nearby, I always find myself stopping to get a large strawberry lemonade before falling right to sleep.

If you weren’t playing volleyball, what sport would you try instead?
Although I love playing volleyball and wouldn’t want to change that, I would be interested in trying gymnastics. When I was younger and still deciding what I wanted to pursue, I participated in gymnastics, dance, and surprisingly, a little bit of basketball. I have always loved dance, but I believe that my energy could be well-utilized in gymnastics. Like volleyball, gymnastics requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and training.

What’s something fans or coaches might be surprised to learn about you?
You might be surprised to learn that I’ve been modeling since I was just a toddler. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to appear in various advertisements for well-known brands like Gerber, Target, Fisher-Price, and Five Below, among others. While volleyball has consumed a significant portion of my time, modeling has played a crucial role in helping me financially fund my volleyball dreams.

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