Local Athletes flying high in America
Local athletes Maddy Campbell & Jenna Thorne have been doing the region proud over the last few years competing against the best college volleyballers across America. Both athletes started their volleyball careers at Otago Girls High School and went on to play for the Scorpion Volleyball Club in the Southern Zone League, both teams coached by volleyball stalwart Jock Murley. They have also both played for New Zealand in their short but successful careers.
They are proof that hard work & commitment can get you success based in Dunedin and have created a fantastic pathway for any local volleyballer wanting to play in the collegiate system in America or their country.
Maddy was fortunate to get a full ride scholarship to Eastern Florida State College, she spent two years playing in the NJCAA where she got plenty of court time as a starting Middle Blocker, she then got the dream transfer & full ride scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University to play NCAA Division 1 in the ASUN Conference, now in her third & final season, and the only senior on the team, Maddy is having a outstanding year on offence & defence with 136 kills and 61 blocks, the team in on track to make the ASUN Conference Tournament in Nashville in November. When the indoor season finishes Maddy is also part of the EKU Beach Volleyball Team. Maddy was named Mid-Florida All Conference second team as a freshman and sophomore … as a sophomore, averaged 1.48 kills per set with a .295 hitting percentage … .295 hitting percentage ranked first on the team, in 2020 earned a spot on the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and 2021 ASUN Conference Honor Roll.
Jenna’s first two years were playing for Hutchinson Community College, Kansas in the NAIA. In her Freshman season as a passer hitter she played in 32 matches and 116 sets for the Blue Dragons, Tallied 221 total kills, averaged 1.82 kills per set with a .244 attack percentage. Had 90 total blocks (0.78/set), 54 total digs (0.47/set) and 12 service aces (0.10/set). Had a career-high 18 kills in a four-set win over South Mountain on August 24 in Roswell Had seven matches with 10 or more kills. Named to the NJCAA 2nd Team All-American. Named to KJCCC All-Jayhawk West 1st Team.
Jenna then transferred to University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana playing NAIA Division 1 in the Frontier Conference, where she is in her second season, she is in the starting lineup as a passer hitter and a valuable member of the team. 2021-2022: Named NAIA All-America made 1st team All Frontier and also named to All-Region team. 2022 Jenna has a total of 125 kills & 10 blocks, the team is currently 2-6 in the Frontier Conference.
Our Volleyball Otago community are super proud of Maddy & Jenna’s achievements and love they are representing our region with pride.
