Kiley McTaggart: Salisbury volleyball’s rising leader
- csimms54
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Volleyball is one of the harder sports to master. Kiley McTaggart has been meeting expectations and then some. With each season, she has been carving out her place on the team and showing signs of becoming a true standout.
For McTaggart, her journey started at North Penn High School, where she competed against high level opponents and even embraced more responsibility as the team manager for the North Penn boys' volleyball team.
“Managing the boys’ team gave me the chance to see the game from a different angle. It made me realize how important the smallest details are on the court, and I think that perspective has made me a smarter player,” she said.
Her high school career helped her develop independence and discipline.
“North Penn pushed me to take responsibility for my own growth. I had to work hard outside of practice and really hold myself accountable if I wanted to play at a good college program.”
The step from high school to college is never easy. With harder competition, a faster pace, plus balancing academics and athletics, McTaggart had to grow quickly.
McTaggart leads the team with 115 kills and is currently second on the team with 137 points.
“The biggest adjustment is definitely the speed of the game. Everyone is so much stronger and faster, and it takes a little bit of getting used to. On top of that, balancing academics and volleyball was a little tricky at first, but the support from my team has helped me grow,” she said.
That growth has paid off in major ways for her. In 2024, McTaggart was named an AVCA D3 All-American, one of the most sought-after honors in college volleyball. Yet she would rather give credit to her teammates.
“It’s such an honor to be named an All-American, but I honestly wouldn’t be here without my team. Volleyball is such a team sport, so any recognition I get is really a reflection of the work we’ve all put in together.”
McTaggart's skills have gained recognition outside the NCAA as well. She was selected to represent the Team USA Division III All-Star Team in Brazil. This was an experience that offered her a global perspective of the game.
“Competing internationally showed me how the game is treated differently around the world. It pushed me to learn how to play well with a new team and gave me a better appreciation for the game,” she said.
Competing against international athletes also gave her new insights into her own strengths and opportunities for improvement.
“The pace of their game challenged me in new ways and showed me that there’s always room to grow.”
Back at SU, McTaggart has become one of the team leaders in kills and points, but once again she never takes sole credit.
“Again, I feel like it’s a reflection of my team. They all set me up for success and their trust and support make a huge difference.”
The team currently is 6-3 and just went 2-1 in the Scranton quad, a tournament which featured powerhouse Middlebury who they beat 3-1, outscoring them by 18 points.
The Sea Gulls have been effective, with 433 kills versus their opponents 399 in the season. Their attack percentage is also significantly higher than their opponents on the year overall. Volleyball is a team sport, and the squad is crushing it in all aspects of the game.
McTaggart thrives in big moments, staying calm and trusting her preparation when her team needs a clutch point.
“In those moments, I just try to stay calm and focus on what’s been working. I trust my teammates and keep it simple,” she said.
As a junior, her focus has shifted to leading by example, helping guide younger players and keeping the team on track toward their goals. Off the court, McTaggart's commitment shines just as bright. She helps others by having done missionary work, which has shaped her outlook.
“It’s taught me to stay humble, work hard, and support my teammates.”
Much like the Sea Gulls this year, Kiley McTaggart’s journey is only getting started.
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By AARON SIMON
Staff Writer