Volleyball Welcomes Malec, Transfer from Chicago State

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall volleyball head coach Ari Aganus announced the addition of Kayla Malec, a graduate transfer from Chicago State, to the Herd for the 2022 season on Tuesday.

"I am so excited to round out the 2022 class with the addition of Kayla," coach Aganus said. "Coming in as a graduate student she brings a wealth of experience and leadership that will push our gym immediately. Kayla has a love for the sport and commitment to excellence that is infectious. Herd nation will love getting to know Kayla both on and off the court."

Malec was a member of the Chicago State Cougars since her freshman season in 2018 and will have one year of eligibility remaining after having her fifth granted due to the 2020-21 COVID season. She will be working on her master's in leadership studies.

"I chose Marshall because of the overwhelming feeling of family and community," Malec said about the transfer. The University suffered a great tragedy, but it brought the community closer. I could truly feel the sense of love immediately when visiting campus."

Malec is a native of Spring Grove, Illinois, and stayed close to home playing for the Cougars. She appeared in 39 matches and 87 total sets over four seasons. Malec tallied 54 kills and 31 total blocks. She marks her team's wins over Rutgers in 2018 and Indiana this past season as her favorite moments because, "I love being the underdog. Beating big teams was truly unforgettable. We put in a lot of work and to have it rewarded is one of the greatest feelings." Chicago State swept those two matches.

The middle blocker made her collegiate debut in 2018 against California with three kills and a season-best three blocks. Malec had season highs of four kills in three contests coming against Eastern Illinois, UTRGV and Grand Canyon. She tied her season-high of three blocks against California Baptist. Malec finished the season with 29 kills, 15 blocks and six digs.

In 2019, she put up a career-best six kills and hit .500 in a sweep over Alabama State. Malec recorded a career-high six blocks in a four-set victory over Northern Illinois. Against UIC, she had four kills and four blocks. Malec ended the season with 21 kills, 16 blocks and six digs.

Malec appeared in two matches during the shortened 2020-21 season and played in four contests this past season. She had three kills against UIC.

Prior to joining the Cougars, Malec piled up awards and honors at Richmond Burton High School. She was the 2017 Kishwaukee River Conference Player of the Year and team MVP. Malec was a three-time All-Region selection and helped her team win three IHSA Regional Championships along with four conference titles. Her senior season she put up 194 kills, 42 blocks, 15 aces and 28 digs.

For all the latest information about Marshall volleyball, follow @HerdVolleyball on Twitter and Marshall University Volleyball on Facebook.

---HerdZone.com---

Marshall University Athletics

Volleyball Welcomes Malec, Transfer from Chicago State

Related News

Related Videos