Makenzie Eaton
Ottumwa High School senior, Makenzie Eaton, loves being part of a team.
Eaton is one of the team captains on the varsity volleyball squad. A player since fifth grade, Eaton loves the game. She tried other sports, such as track and basketball, and plays softball for fun on a YMCA league, but her passion is volleyball. “It’s a stress reliever for me,” she said. She also loves the team building and sportsmanship aspects of the game.
She has spent her high school career in the front row, either as a middle, left or right hitter. She has played varsity for the past three years, being pulled up the final game of her freshman year.
The team spends a lot of time together during the season. Practices are from 3:30 – 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday on non-game days. They do an early morning practice on Fridays. Most Saturdays the team is playing in tournaments. “Being part of a team is a great feeling,” she said. “It will be pretty emotional at the end of the season.”
With plans to become a dental assistant or hygienist, she hopes to attend Indian Hills after graduation. She plans to try out for the volleyball team. Eaton also wants to stay in Ottumwa. “I’m a big family person,” she said. It’s home. I don’t like to be anywhere else but home.”
Volleyball has also taught her some life lessons. “Girls will always have your back,” she said. “It teaches you responsibility, time management, how to be a good team player, a good person, and to push hard and persevere.”
