A Wooster Thanksgiving: five former Generals standouts on life after high school
Being thankful is the reason for the season.
"Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year," said Madison McCoy. "I get to see my entire family, not just my immediate family, but the whole deal."
"Thanksgiving is a wonderful reminder of all the people and things I am grateful for," added Alexa Mitchell. "I am so grateful for my dad, mom and brother as they have supported me through my journey. I am grateful for all the other family and friends who have been a part of my life and continue to encourage me to be my best self."
During Thanksgiving week, five former Wooster standouts looked back at their prep careers and where they are right now. They reflected on where their feet had been, the impact it had on them, how that set them up for today and what Thanksgiving means to them.
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Mitchell, McCoy, Emmaleigh Allen, Marin Dixon and Drew Rader were not just outstanding student-athletes and great role models during their time as Generals, each leaving a lasting imprint in their respective sports.
Allen is a sophomore volleyball player at Lenoir-Rhyne University, Dixon wrapped up her freshman volleyball season at the University of Indianapolis, Rader is a sophomore kicker at Georgetown College, Mitchell wrapped up her final volleyball season at Mercyhurst University and McCoy did the same as a senior volleyball player at Otterbein University.
And while they haven't put on a Wooster jersey in a while, they were thankful for their time in the Blue and Gold.
"The standard at Wooster was set high in both the classroom and on the field," said Rader. "The experiences I had there in high school prepared me for an easy transition to college."
"Thankfully during my time at Wooster, I was given the opportunity to chase intellectual rigor and be part of an amazing volleyball program," added Dixon. "Taking harder classes or classes that I knew would align with my intended major helped familiarize me with content that I would be seeing again in college. Playing in the volleyball program helped make me the player I am today. Coach (Jen) Snowbarger is a big part of that, because she trusted me to set for her team for four years. With support like that, I was able to grow confident in my skill and even though collegiate athletics seems like a different beast, the game of volleyball doesn’t change. The confidence and support I had during my time at Wooster translates to my play now."
Mitchell is wrapping up a five-year career with her best season yet with 544 assists, 26 kills and 145 digs. She was key part of the team and at the same time, double-majored in business management and marketing, with her undergraduate done in May.
"The key to my success has been working hard every day, not only for myself but for the people and teammates around me," said Mitchell. "High school really prepared me both physically and mentally. I learned how to manage my time, work through injuries and I had coaches who pushed me to be the best I could be at the sport that I loved. I couldn't have asked for more."
As for what she enjoyed the most and her own growth while in the collegiate ranks.
"When you play a sport, you realize that the mental aspect of the game can be more challenging than the physical. Through that I have become more equipped to handle life outside of volleyball through the lessons I have learned in volleyball," said Mitchell. "My favorite class during that time was Business Policy. In this class we ran a simulation the whole semester which gave us more real-life experience than a textbook could have. I have enjoyed meeting a lot of people throughout college who have taught me more life lessons than I could have imagined."
Her brother Reece is also wrapping up his final season at Ohio Wesleyan University.
Set to graduate with a B.A. in biology and a minor in chemistry this upcoming spring, then attending veterinarian school afterwards and at the same time being a star on the hardwood, McCoy has found a way to juggle it all.
This season iced her final collegiate career with a career-best 227 kills and 85 blocks. She was honored as second team all-conference, finished sixth in program history with 262 total blocks and finished top 10 in hitting percentage, service aces and blocks. Even more importantly, she looked at the growth of the team and her fellow senior classmates as a whole for their 23-9 record this year, three OAC regular season championships, three OAC tournament titles and three trips to the NCAA Tournament.
"Our team has grown so much in the last four years as far as being close and connected," said McCoy. "Having a great group of girls, a team and a coaching staff that trusts each other is the first step to success. The importance of patience and trusting the process is also vital. Practicing hard and really taking advantage of the extra repetitions when you can, not only helps you as an athlete, but your team too. We had girls willing to do that."
There is no doubt that playing at Wooster helped set her up for this success and for it, she has developed relationships to last a lifetime.
"High school helped prepare me for college and my success by competing in a tough conference. It taught me how to respect every team and to go into a game with the mindset that they are playing to win too," said McCoy. "I have been able to meet amazing people and make lifelong relationships with players and coaches. My professors also play a huge role in my love for the school, because they always continue to encourage me in my studies and have flexibility with me being a student athlete. They made it seem easy to balance both school and a collegiate sport."
Allen became the fifth player in Bears history to earn South Atlantic Conference Freshman of the Year honors and was named to the all-freshman team. As a sophomore, she has been named conference Player of the Week three times this year. Allen finished with a career-best 368 kills, 314 digs and 31 total blocks.
"My success has come from the genuine love I have for the sport of volleyball. Playing at Lenior-Rhyne has made me realize how lucky I am to play the sport I love every day in a competitive environment," said Allen. "My passion for learning, playing, and embracing the sport of volleyball is a constant reminder for me to take nothing for granted in the four short years I have at this level."
Looking back, she credits playing with Mitchell, McCoy and workouts by older sister Madeline for motivating her.
"My high school days allowed me to prepare for the physical and mental demand that college sports require at every level," Allen added. "In addition to my older sister, playing with talented athletes like Alexa (Mitchell) and Madison (McCoy) motivated me at an early age to work hard in the gym. As I gained experience and skill, learning the mental fortitude necessary for success at the next level allowed me to come prepared for my freshman year."
That strong base enabled Allen to be named a captain this year and she flourished in the opportunities that it has presented her.
"Collegiate volleyball has given me the opportunity to be a leader on and off the court," she said. "As a team captain, I am learning how to motivate, encourage, and hold myself and others to a higher standard which is a skill that's valuable in all of life's seasons."
Rader went viral as a senior with a kick that seemingly defied logic during the pregame of a windy tournament playoff game but enjoyed a stellar kicking career during his time as a General. He's kept that up in college, going 6-of-7 on field goals this year and converting 42 of 43 extra points. As a punter, he averaged a net of 39 yards this season and his longest punt was 73 yards, from last season.
"It's staying true to doing the little things right and treating every detail with importance," said Rader. "I have been able to really dial in on just kicking now that football is my only sport. My kicking coach, Coach (Sean) Wynn has been a huge help in me becoming more consistent in both kicking and punting."
Dixon kept the tradition of standout setters for the Generals rolling with a superb prep career. At University of Indianapolis, she had solid freshman season with 73 assists, seven aces, five kills and 28 digs. Getting her feet acclimated to the style and pace of play, she already has her sights set on more.
"The key to my success in college athletics will be my work ethic," said Dixon. "There are only so many things one person can control, but working hard is one of them. You reap what you sow, and some struggles are inevitable, but if I keep at it and consistently put the work in, I am bound to find success."
The freshman recognizes her growth and has enjoyed the opportunity.
"I have grown in a lot of ways, but the biggest way is mentally." said Dixon. "It is difficult to go to a completely new place with new people and still feel comfortable enough to perform at your best. Even though there have been a couple bumps in my road- they have helped me become well rounded and reinforced my resilience.
"I love that I am able to emphasize my academic success and my athletic endeavors equally. I now have the time and freedom of schedule to challenge myself and work on my craft as both a student and an athlete."
Now with Thanksgiving here, each one of these former Wooster standouts couldn't be more thankful for everything that set them up on the road to success. It's definitely a day that is special to each of them from the traditions and people they get to spend the day with.
"I'm thankful for my parents, Matthew and Kelleigh Allen, my siblings, Madeline and Jacob Allen, my dearest friend Sydney Ebin, and the mentors and friends that have embraced me throughout my life," said Allen. "I am looking forward to the game nights we have each holiday season that are spent in great company and competitive spirit."
"Thanksgiving means expressing gratitude for all that I have, especially my loved ones," added Dixon. "I am thankful for my parents, my brother, and all of my friends. My favorite thanksgiving tradition is watching a Christmas movie at the end of the night."
And Rader chipped in as he will be missing Thanksgiving as Georgetown College is in preparation for the second round of the NAIA Football Championship held at Toyota Stadium in Georgetown, Kentucky.
"Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love spending time with my family and eating a great home-cooked meal from my grandma. It is also a great time to sit back and count my blessings and realize how much I have to be thankful for. I am especially thankful for my family and everything they have done for me. My favorite tradition is eating my uncle Dave's soup that he makes with the leftovers from our big meal while we watch football. I will miss the big meal and all of the traditions this year as I will be practicing football on Thanksgiving in Georgetown. Practicing on Thanksgiving is something that every team wants the opportunity to do, we wouldn’t want it any other way as we prepare for the playoffs."
For seniors, Mitchell and McCoy, reflection with people and leftovers means a lot.
"I am fortunate to come home from college and share a meal with close family friends the night before Thanksgiving, followed by all my family coming over to our house to spend Thanksgiving together," said Mitchell. "I think that is the best traditions anyone could ask for."
"Each year we have about 120 family members at our thanksgiving, spend the whole day on the family farm and end up with at least three days' worth of leftovers," said McCoy. "My favorite tradition that we have is spending the evening prior at my grandpa's house where all my cousins and I help make mashed potatoes. I am thankful for all my teammates, my brother James, parents, friends and family as a whole."
It's obvious the talent that each of these five young people have, it's the heart, willingness to work and understanding of Thanksgiving that puts them over the top.
"Thanksgiving is another day to thank God for the people in my life," said Allen. "It's one of my favorite times to spend with friends and family, reminding me of how blessed we are to experience a love so great."
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Preps to College: a Thanksgiving update from five Wooster H.S. alums
