The infamous transition from middle to high school is already challenging enough, but Kaia O’Malley, a freshman volleyball player on Plant’s varsity team, is dominating it. Plant hasn’t had a freshman on their nationally recognized varsity team since 2023—until now—making this a significant accomplishment for O’Malley. In addition to her achievement, O’Malley is well known for her determination and excellent teamwork skills, making her the full package.   

 However, O’Malley has had quite a journey to reach her current position. When O’Malley was asked what drew her to begin volleyball, she said, “I started playing volleyball when I was eleven years old. I saw how much my sister Reese enjoyed playing, and it inspired me to give it a try too.”  

 In more recent years, O’Malley debated over which of the following Tampa high schools would be best suited for her. Her top choices stood between Calvary and Plant, but Plant gained a new panther. O’Malley shared what made the difference for her, “Ultimately, I enjoyed Coach Kensie’s ability to hold the team to a high standard while also motivating us.”   

 In addition to the volleyball aspect of her decision, O’Malley’s older brother, Trey, had graduated from Plant in 2024 and was also a student athlete.    

 “My brother’s experience at Plant really set the tone for me — seeing how much he thrived here made me feel more confident and excited about what my own time might hold,” O’Malley said.   

 On the day of tryouts, O’Malley described her experience: “I had a great time—it was exciting to play alongside such skilled players like Sophie Dostic (11) and Ella Horvick (11). The day was definitely a challenge, but I was pushed out of my comfort zone and grew in my perseverance. Thankfully, the coaches recognized my effort and decided to take me on.”   

Following the tryout, Coach Kensei and Coach Jordan pulled some of the girls aside and announced that they were the 2025–2026 varsity team; O’Malley was among them.    

 “When I found out, I was so happy — it felt like all my hard work, commitment and many hours of training had paid off. I couldn’t imagine a better result, but I also knew this was just the beginning. I was ready to grow as a player, learn from the upperclassmen and keep building on the foundation I’d worked hard to create,” O’Malley said.   

 O’Malley launched her volleyball career at the Orlando-Tampa Volleyball Academy (OTVA), a respected organization ranked 6th among volleyball academies nationwide. This environment provided her with valuable opportunities to learn from top-tier coaches, ultimately establishing a strong footing for her development in the sport. Yet, O’Malley finds her greatest joy while playing for Plant.   

 When asked what made the difference for her, O’Malley said. “I think high school volleyball is definitely more fun, just because you actually go to school with all the girls—you see them every day, and it makes everything feel more connected. There’s also a bigger age range, which I love, because I’ve become friends with a lot of the older girls. It’s really different from club in that way. Home games are so much fun, and I really like the coaches here. But honestly, it’s the girls and coaches who make the sport what it is.”   

 Just like many teenage athletes, O’Malley faces more than just the physical demands of her sport. Between demanding practices, high-stakes games and the personal push to improve, young athletes often carry heavy expectations—not just from coaches and teammates, but from themselves. O’Malley said, “I have really high expectations for myself, so when I’m not performing as well as I’d like, I feel a lot of pressure. It’s mostly just me pushing myself to be the best I can be.”   

 Still, O’Malley maintains a positive mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities to grow. “I try to remember that even the hard days are part of the process,” she said. “They’ll make me stronger and better in the future.”   

When asked how she balances school, social life and volleyball, O’Malley said that having friends who also play volleyball helps—and so does her family. “A lot of my best friends play volleyball too, so it kind of all coincides,” O’Malley said. “And my family has been super supportive the whole way. They’re always there for me, no matter how good or bad I play, helping me manage schoolwork and practices, showing up to every game, and cheering me on.”   

 In addition to her friends and family, O’Malley finds peace with her teammates. She describes their pre-game preparation, saying, “Before every game, we always discuss the game plan—how we can support each other and how we’re going to score points.” O’Malley said, “I like that ritual; it’s the time when we really bond.”   

   As the season progresses, O’Malley’s passion for the game and dedication to her team are evident. Her journey, characterized by hard work, family support, and an unwavering drive, has already distinguished her both on and off the court. When asked what she hopes to remember most about this year, O’Malley smiled and said, “Probably just all the girls. Every single one—the seniors were so much fun this year, and just how much fun every girl was. We’re all very disciplined, and we want the best for the team, which is rare to find. I’m so glad I experienced that.”   

   This sentiment perfectly captures who Kaia O’Malley is: a talented athlete, a devoted teammate and a young player who is already making her mark. With the same determination that has brought her this far, we look forward to seeing where the rest of her time at Plant leads her. There’s no doubt she has a bright future ahead. 

Kaia, Off the Court by Vivienneharris 2902