Dedicated Athlete: Grace Kelly
At PrepDig, we understand the profound commitment required to reach athletic aspirations. That’s why we’re thrilled to highlight athletes who epitomize unwavering dedication. The Dedicated Athlete Series explores the journeys of those promising prospects who serve as sources of inspiration,…
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Continue ReadingAt PrepDig, we understand the profound commitment required to reach athletic aspirations. That’s why we’re thrilled to highlight athletes who epitomize unwavering dedication. The Dedicated Athlete Series explores the journeys of those promising prospects who serve as sources of inspiration, offering a glimpse into their incredible determination and hard-earned success.
We are excited to introduce you to Grace Kelly to share in her own words.
When I first stepped onto the volleyball court, three years ago, as an undersized middle blocker, I knew I had a lot of ground to make up. Having started the sport later than most, I set out to close the gap by focusing on six key training pillars: Strength and Conditioning, Jump Training, Private Lessons, Studying Videos, Nutrition, and Mental Toughness. Over the past three seasons, I’ve devoted myself to these six pillars, learning invaluable lessons and seeing tangible results.
Strength and Conditioning form the core of my training, with three sessions a week designed by Mike Yudin, the 2018 National Sports Performance Coach of the Year. Under his guidance, I’ve seen a dramatic increase in my strength and verticality, allowing me to jump a foot higher in just two years. Jump Training is crucial to my position. I work on it twice a week with a 30-45 minute program developed by my Club Director, Walt Ker. The focus is on explosive power, and it’s made a significant impact on my game. Additionally, I run sprints or jump rope three to five mornings a week to enhance my speed and explosiveness.
Private Lessons are another key aspect of my training. Every Sunday, I work with Tony Ker, a four-time All-American, who challenges me to improve not just my physical skills but also my understanding of the game. His insights have helped me approach volleyball with a fresh perspective and a sharper mind. Studying Video is a practice I commit to daily, dedicating 30-45 minutes to watching game footage. I pause the video to predict plays and analyze situations to increase my volleyball IQ and ultimately refine my decision-making on the court.
Nutrition plays a critical role in my performance. Each week, I prepare my meals and snacks to ensure I meet my nutritional goals. I track my food intake and macros to maintain a balanced diet, focusing on carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to optimize my energy levels and recovery times. While physical training is crucial in volleyball, my team and I also dedicate an hour each week to building mental toughness. This is the time we work on skills like self-talk, visualization, and reframing—areas that might not always be obvious during a game but are critical to our success.
I’m so grateful for the amazing coaching I’ve received in my short career as a volleyball player in club and high school. I’m especially grateful to my high school coach Jamey Ker for taking a chance on me as a transfer and continuing to elevate my game and push me as an athlete.
These six pillars are the backbone of my training. However, I’ve learned to love training because of the great coaches that I am fortunate to be coached by and how they shape me beyond the game!