FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (June 10, 2021) – Northern Arizona head volleyball coach
Ken Murphy is welcoming in three incoming freshmen in his 2021 class, and in the first Q&A is Kacee Moore, a 6-2 outside hitter from Farmington, N.M. As a senior this spring at Piedra Vista High School, Moore was named to the 5A All-State First Team.
Q: What is the one thing that excites you most about joining the NAU Volleyball program?
A: The thought of challenging myself mentally and physically. Honestly, the program has a lot of heart, so I'm really excited to play with a good team and good coaches.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a volleyball player?
A: I would describe myself as more of a mellow volleyball player. Sometimes people get confused because I forget to smile sometimes when I'm playing because I'm so dialed in. I guess I could work on that, but that's how I would describe myself.
Q: If you weren't playing volleyball, what sport would you be playing?
A: Definitely soccer. I was playing soccer while I was playing volleyball, but I had to choose because of priorities. But if I wasn't playing volleyball, I would definitely still be playing soccer.
Q: You come from an athletic family with your parents both playing collegiately – your father played basketball and your mother played volleyball – and your older sister also played volleyball in college. Growing up in a volleyball-centric family, how did you get started in the sport?
A: I started playing volleyball way back in like second grade. It was definitely very competitive and my mom wanted me to be in every tournament, which was fun because it got me a lot of practice. It's been nice growing up with an older sister who plays as well because I can look up to her and follow in her footsteps.
Q: One of your hobbies is outdoor recreation, so what is your favorite outdoor activity?
A: I have a lot. I like to bike and I kayak. I recently got into paddleboarding because now I can balance and I recently have taken up surfing; like off a surfing boat in the lake so that's been fun.
Q: What are you planning to major in and why?
A: I am still deciding on that. I'm thinking about either criminal justice or nursing because I've always liked to help people so I want to go in that direction.
Q: You have a couple of connections here at NAU having played on the same club team (Four Corners Volleyball Club) as
Jordan Elder and
Millie O'Ketter. How much of a role did they play in you deciding to commit to NAU?
A: We played together for like five or six years and we always joked about "what if we all play at the same college? Wouldn't that be fun? Wouldn't that be cool?" Now, it's literally happening, so it's surreal. I'm happy that when I get there, they'll already be there.
Q: What have Jordan and Millie shared with you about how their first year in college went in terms of what to expect?
A: When I first asked them, they told me I would love it. They told me everyone is so nice, the coaches are great, so that was very encouraging.
Q: What is one fun fact about yourself?
A: My thumbs and knees are double-jointed. They basically bend in the opposite direction, which is kind of creepy.
Kacee Moore At a Glance
Height: 6-2
Position: Outside Hitter
Hometown: Farmington, N.M.
High School: Piedra Vista
Stats to Know: Averaged 4.2 kills per set during high school career
What Head Coach Ken Murphy is saying: I've known Kacee for a long time and I'm so glad that the time is finally here for her to join our program. Kacee has the potential to be a very high impact player on our team. She plays high above the net and has the ability to dominate the game with her physicality. She also has very good ball control skills and a versatility in her game that could allow her to contribute in a couple of different positions for us. Despite her obvious talents, she is unassuming, eager to learn and focused on team success first. She is really a perfect fit for our program and I'm excited to see what the future holds.
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