From freshman jitters to senior send-offs, seven Mt. Lebanon girls’ volleyball seniors have been through it all together. For players who’ve spent years diving across the court, celebrating victories and growing together, the 2025 season marked more than just the end of a schedule—it marked the end of a chapter.
Senior libero and captain Keira Palmer has been a backbone of the team since her freshman year as a four-year varsity player. To Palmer, this season was not about wins or losses; it was about the memories she created and the person she became.
“This season was my last year playing school volleyball and the end of my nine-year volleyball career,” Palmer said. “Since it was my last time playing, I just wanted to have fun, always give my full effort, and make good memories to look back on.”
Senior middle blocker Izzy Shane said the most important aspect of her senior season was playing her absolute best and leaving her mark on MTLVB. Shane is committed to play Division III volleyball at Waynesburg University, where she plans to double major in forensic investigation and criminal justice administration. She credits MTLVB for equipping her with the skills to play at the next level.
“I really just can’t imagine not playing the sport I love,” Shane said. “I love being in the gym and doing drills to better myself and my teammates. I think MTLVB has equipped me for this because I didn’t start really playing on varsity until this year. Last year, being benched truly helped me because I was able to get familiar with playing other positions, which is what my college coach was looking for.”
Shane also credits her mindset for helping her grow throughout the years as both a player and a person.
“The biggest growth in my mindset has been my ability to stay positive, even when we’re down,” Shane said. “I used to really take it to heart and get down on myself, but now I focus on the next play, and that’s really helped my mental game.”
Palmer agrees that maintaining the right mindset is the biggest challenge in volleyball—something she has learned to strengthen over the years.
“Volleyball is a game of mistakes, and if you dwell on them, it’s hard to win,” Palmer said. “Have a short memory. Make an adjustment and move on, or it will affect the rest of your game.”
Senior middle blocker Lucy McCord, a four-year varsity player, plans to continue her volleyball career in college while studying nursing. McCord credits the team’s bond for making her senior season so special.
“This season has meant a lot because it was my last chance to leave everything on the court with my team,” McCord said. “Volleyball and the team mean everything to me. They’re like my second family, and I’m so happy that this sport has brought me my best friends.”
Palmer said the team’s dynamic helped define her senior season.
“The most meaningful moment in my career is my last game against USC,” Palmer said. “Since I knew it was the last time I was playing, I gave all my effort. Even though we didn’t win, it was so nice how the whole team was working together.”
Before games, the team bonds through pregame huddles, hyping each other up to stay motivated and alert. Shane said those huddles have been among her most meaningful moments.
“I think my most meaningful moment has been leading the huddles before every game,” Shane said. “It helps me lock in and really focus on all aspects of the game and what to be prepared for.”
McCord also believes the teamwork and communication she has learned on and off the volleyball court will translate to her everyday life for years to come. To younger players, she urges them to soak in every moment.
“My advice would be to always give 100%, no matter what you’re doing,” McCord said. “Never take any moment for granted, because it all goes by so fast.”
As the seniors close out their final season, they leave behind more than just stats on a scoreboard—they leave a culture of perseverance, positivity and unity. Their leadership has set the tone for younger players to follow, ensuring that Mt. Lebanon volleyball will continue to thrive for years to come.
“My advice would be to stay positive, even when it gets hard,” Shane said. “Being able to focus on the fact that volleyball is a sport where you’re meant to have fun really can put everything into perspective and help you have a great season with your teammates.”
