Gators libero Elli McKissock provides a veteran presence for a UF volleyball team that opens the NCAA Tournament on Friday. (Photo: Hannah White/UAA Communications)
McKissock a Stabilizing Force for Gators as Postseason Starts
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Elli McKissock earned her spot as libero her freshman year – and she's made an impact on the court ever since.
As the 12th-ranked Florida Gators volleyball team defends homecourt against Florida A&M in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, McKissock's veteran experience will be called upon Friday night.
Previously, in her sophomore year, McKissock played all three sets and recorded eight digs in the first-round sweep of the Rattlers in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
"I think this time going in, as an upperclassman compared to last year, it's definitely a different feeling because we're going in as an underdog," McKissock said.
This is a Florida team that had five seniors graduate following the 2021 season. With nine lower classmen on the 2022 roster, Florida had to create a new system to fit the personnel.
"Everything was brand new," head coach Mary Wise said.
And Wise had high expectations for her returning libero.
"We've asked a lot of Elli as the most veteran player," Wise said. "She has had more playing time than anybody else, and she locked down that libero position in her freshman year and her game has evolved."
McKissock, from Windermere, Fla., leads the Gators with 372 digs in the 28 matches played. Throughout the season, Wise has recognized the evolution of McKissock's serving ability, noting the rhythm that is born when McKissock serves.
"All of the little things that the great liberos do – that's what Elli does for us," Wise said.
Gators volleyball coach Mary Wise leads her team into the NCAA Tournament starting Friday night at home against Florida A&M. (Photo: Hannah White/UAA Communications)
The 5-foot-7 junior is not the only one shining in a Gators uniform. The standard of excellence is contagious in the locker room.
Freshman setter Alexis Stucky is ranked 25 in the NCAA for assists per set. Meanwhile, Gabrielle Essix, the sophomore middle blocker, is ranked 45th in the NCAA among blocks per set, recording 125 blocks across 101 sets.
As a team, Florida ranks seventh overall in the NCAA with blocks per set in 103 sets, recording a total of 54 solo blocks, 459 assisted blocks and 2.75 blocks per set.
Even while Florida adjusted to new personnel in the offseason, the team has been able to establish a strong culture that has translated into wins.
They're cheering each other on. High-fiving one another. And celebrating each other.
"We're all super good friends so just being able to play volleyball, the sport that we love with each other and every one of our best friends," McKissock said. "It's just so fun."
The fun is shown in the passion for the game. The smiles after a point. The communication on the court. The determination awaiting a serve.
It's especially noticeable with massive Merritt Beason earns a nasty kill or a dominant Gabrielle Essix posts a block.
"You see the love on the bench, you see the love on the court and I think just all of us together make a really good team," McKissock said. "I'm really proud of everything that we've accomplished this season. No one expected us to come this far. No one expected us to be where we are at."
The Gators had a successful regular season being crowned the SEC Co-Champions.
The team is hungry for more after its taste of a championship. And this time the victory will be to propel them into the next round of the tournament. And it will be important to have a strong defensive presence.
What's the key defensively?
"I just think being scrappy and just playing like we've done all season is huge for this match," McKissock said.
The Gators, who were 23-5 in the regular season, have shown that they are their best when they are playing their brand of volleyball. On their terms.
They plan to carry that mindset into the NCAA Tournament.
"Just having a lot of fun with these girls I think is the main mentality and enjoying the moment," McKissock said.
Wise knows what it takes in the tournament. She knows how to prep her young team as she's certainly no stranger to the postseason.
Recording 78 NCAA Tournament victories, Wise knows the value to celebrating each win and escaping elimination.
"Advancing is you win a match, you celebrate that," Wise said. "That's a big deal in this tournament."
