Savannah Christian junior Myla Shippy knew she was getting close to 1,000 career kills. She just wasn't sure exactly when she would get there.
It happened Sept. 17 against Richmond Hill.
The 6-foot outside hitter recorded her 1,000th career kill in Savannah Christian's 2-0 win, reaching a milestone she had watched other players accomplish and wanted for herself.
“1,000 kills was definitely like a goal accomplished. All the people I looked up to have hit it, and I kind of knew I was going to hit it this year because last year I got pretty close,” Shippy said. “So yeah, it was just a good goal.”
Shippy knew she was getting close during the match, but she wasn't keeping track of exactly which swing would get her there.
“Yes, I was, but I didn't know when I got it,” Shippy said. “So I didn't know what game I was going to get it.”
Shippy finished with 13 kills against Richmond Hill and added another 13 later that day in a 2-0 win over South Effingham.
Through Sept. 17, Shippy has 236 kills in 56 sets this season, averaging 4.2 kills per set with a .319 hitting percentage. She also has 140 digs and 12 total blocks.
Her varsity career started in eighth grade at The Habersham School. Shippy recorded 170 kills that season, followed by 299 as a freshman and 479 as a sophomore. Now in her first season at Savannah Christian, she has 1,184 career kills.
Shippy said she sees a much different player now from the one who first stepped on a varsity court in eighth grade.
“When I was in eighth grade, I was not as controlled as I am now. I was just swinging. I'd hit the wall,” Shippy said. “And also, I've grown a lot mentally because when I was younger, I'd always get in my head and it messed up my game.”
“But now I've just learned to, like, if I'm in my head, just try to flip it into a positive way,” Shippy said. “It just helps me a lot immensely, and also it makes me perform better.”
Savannah Christian coach Julie Jones said Shippy has made an impact in more ways than just putting the ball away.
“Myla is a great teammate who is supportive and positive. She doesn't let mistakes get her down or hang her head when things dont go as planned.”
Shippy's ability to play all six rotations also gives Savannah Christian someone who can make plays from different spots on the court.
“Myla is a strong six rotation player who can be a real offensive threat from the front or back row. She is reliable in serve receive and can be counted on with her consistency when the team needs it.”
Jones said Shippy also gives the Raiders plenty on defense.
“Defensively she puts up a strong block and gets touches on a lot of balls, and has the defensive range to make plays and keeps rallies alive.”
Shippy is only a junior, so she still has plenty to accomplish before her high school career is finished. Her biggest goal is about the team.
“As a team, I'm hoping to win state, at least this year or next year,” Shippy said.
She also has another individual number within reach.
“I haven't looked at my digs, but I might be close to 500 digs, so that'll be cool to hit that too,” she said.
Shippy also wants to play volleyball in college. Jones said she has narrowed her choices to two Florida schools that impressed her.
“My goal is college, and I've been talking to some now,” Shippy said. “I'm just excited to see where, I guess, is perfect.”
Shippy still has the rest of her junior season and another full year of high school volleyball ahead. The team goal is to win a state championship, and she hopes college volleyball is waiting after that.
She has already reached one pretty big milestone, and she still has plenty of volleyball ahead.
For Shippy, 1,000 career kills isn't the finish. She still has more she wants to do.
Photos courtesy of Savannah Christian Preparatory School Athletic Department
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