For Kinzie Jo McAlister, volleyball has been more than a sport since the very beginning. “I’ve played volleyball since sixth grade, I fell in love with the game itself,” she said. “The fast-paced game had my adrenaline running every point. It’s a challenge—your reaction time and how fast you can acknowledge where the ball is determined every point.”
That love for the game only deepened when she joined the Oklahoma Bible Academy program. “Coach Randy Roth puts us in a lot of far-away tournaments, so we get a lot of team bonding time,” McAlister said. “The girls are amazing to be around, and we don’t just talk in practice, we talk in the hallways during school. We have a close bond with each other, not only on the court but in our faith as well.”
She credits many influences along her journey but two stand out most. “Following the last senior class, I would have to say Briana Colby, she was always cheering everyone on, on and off the court, she was so uplifting, and she worked hard,” McAlister shared. “But also, coach Kendra, she teaches me discipline, she keeps me out of my own head, and she helps answer my questions.”
Leadership and encouragement are qualities she takes pride in. “I love cheering on my teammates, I love seeing them successful. Whether I’m on or off the court, I will always see their success and I always try to be kind and uplifting,” she said.
McAlister also leans heavily on the values instilled at OBA. “It reminds me to play for God’s glory, to treat others with kindness but to also keep my attitude grounded no matter the outcome,” she explained. “Discipline has been the best lesson I’ve learned so far. It helps keep focused, work well with others and it helps me face challenges with a positive attitude.”
Her goals for her senior season are clear and purposeful. “My personal goals are all about consistency, communication, and court leadership. I want to be the most reliable passer on the team, someone who can take pressure off the rest of the team by staying steady in serve receive and defense. I’m also working on improving my reading and reaction time, especially when it comes to reading hitters and adjusting to different offensive styles.”
Looking ahead, McAlister hopes the game continues to impact her future. “It has given me lifelong skills that I will be able to use after high school, such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and time management.”
