Positionless player, doing big, effective things in all aspects of the game. Super agile, long, talented, and smart, making for a versatile playmaker who can be shifted around to fit the needs of the team. Kate has the calmness to deliver line drives from behind the line during serves. Cover the back line with consistency and a good passer. Of course, a lethal attacker is her primary function. Penn State may have to narrow her choices sooner or later. 

Mercy out of the Detroit suburbs will be heading to the Asics Challenge as one of the top teams out of Michigan.  I feel like this is relatively new for Michigan schools to be traveling out of state (and its great to see).  Mercy has some elite players on their roster starting with Kate Kalczynski who is one of the top 2027 outsides in the country, she is committed to Penn State.  They also have one of the top middle blockers out of 2028 in Stanford commit McKenzie Andrews.  Keep tabs on one of the top setters in all of 2029 in Kaelyn Easton who has played for the USA Youth National teams. 

Kate Kalczynski is the kind of player who brings a presence you can’t teach.

It shows up in how she competes. There’s a toughness to her game that doesn’t fade. Every ball is played with intent, every rally matters, and there’s a consistency in her effort that never dips. You can see why she’s earned her spot with USA NTDP. She doesn’t wait for the match to come to her, she meets it head on.

What stands out when you watch Kate is how much she values the work.

Nothing looks casual. The footwork is there. The focus is there. The response after every point is there. Whether it’s a big play or a mistake, she handles it the same way and moves forward. That kind of mindset is what allows players to grow and stay at a high level.

For younger athletes, this is what you take from her.

It’s not just about talent. It’s about how hard you’re willing to compete, how you respond when things don’t go your way, and how consistent you are with your effort. Kate shows what it looks like to stay locked in and keep pushing, no matter what’s happening in the match.

That’s what makes her someone worth watching.

And someone worth learning from. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas