Penn State women’s volleyball commit Alexa Markley is in the midst of her senior season for McIntosh High School in Peachtree City, Georgia.
Markley, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter who verbally committed to the Nittany Lions on September 4, 2020, spent the summer playing for her A5 Mizuno club team before earning an invite to the Under Armour All-America Volleyball Match at the second Las Vegas selection camp.
Markley was also invited to train with USA Volleyball’s new National Team Development Program (NTDP) July 18-23 in Anaheim, California, with approximately 170 of the nation’s top girls’ indoor volleyball players ages 14-18.
Markley recently took the time to answer a few questions about her whirlwind summer and how she’s adjusting to her leadership role on a young McIntosh team this fall that hopes to win its fifth straight Georgia 5A state championship later this season, among other topics.
DigNittany: What were some of the biggest factors in your decision to commit to Penn State?
“There were many factors in my decision to commit to Penn State. I think an undeniable factor would be the outstanding legacy this program holds for volleyball, as well as the amazing coaching staff and the players I got to talk with. I’ve always wanted to play, practice, and win at the highest level in the best conference, and going to Penn State will give me this opportunity. Outside of volleyball, academics are very important to me. Currently, I am interested in business and marketing, and the Smeal College of Business is a great place to study with many connections and alumni. Finally, I have some extended family driving distance who will be able to come to some games.”
When did you first start hearing from Penn State in the recruiting process? What’s your relationship like with Coach Rose and the rest of Penn State’s coaching staff?
“I first started ‘hearing’ from Penn State my freshman year of high school. My class was affected by the rule change, so I never had any real back-and-forth communication with the coaches until June 15, 2020 when I was offered. Between freshman year and June 15, I received invitations to camps and clinics at Penn State. I would say I have a pretty good relationship with Coach Rose, Coach Dennis, Coach Katie, and the rest of the staff at Penn State. I love Coach’s honesty, which was one of the reasons I was drawn to the program. I think my relationship with the coaches and players was a huge contributing factor in choosing to go to Penn State, because I truly felt like I was in a family atmosphere where anyone would help you with anything, but still push you at the same time to maximize your potential.”
What was your experience like touring Penn State’s campus in June? How many times have you visited campus so far?
“I had a great experience touring with the staff and team in June. I actually came up on my birthday, so the girls on the team gave me a birthday cake, which I thought was so sweet. Prior to this, I visited the campus two other times. I visited the campus one weekend in fall of 2019 when Penn State played Stanford and Oregon. The energy in the gym and the fans in Rec Hall were so electric, which is another reason I was drawn toward Penn State. I also visited the campus late August of 2020 prior to my commitment to Penn State in early September. I have loved every visit to the campus and I can’t wait until I am on campus every day.”
What were some of your favorite moments from this past club season and the NTDP in Anaheim?
“Some of my favorite moments from this past club season was placing 3rd at both AAUs in Orlando and USAV Nationals in Las Vegas. My team worked hard all season, so it was gratifying to walk away with a medal at both tournaments. I am super proud of everyone and I can’t wait for one last ride this season, hopefully ending with a gold medal. This summer, post club, a major highlight was being invited to the NTDP in Anaheim, California. I am grateful for this opportunity to train with some of the best people and coaches from across the country. Any time with USAV is a great experience, especially being able to see where the Olympic team trained before winning gold in Tokyo.”
What are your thoughts on the Olympics and seeing Penn State alums Haleigh Washington and Micha Hancock win gold?
“I am beyond excited about the USA winning the gold medal in both women’s indoor and beach volleyball this Olympics. I think it’s a huge step in the volleyball world toward more recognition in not only women’s sports but volleyball in the U.S. It’s amazing how many Big Ten players were on the team and I am very excited for both Haleigh Washington and Micha Hancock. It’s incredible not only watching them on TV, but knowing they both came out of the program I have an opportunity to learn and grow from as well.”
What are some of your responsibilities as a senior leader for McIntosh and how do you think this year’s team is shaping up?
“I think this high school season will be more difficult competition-wise than years past. With the graduation of last year’s seniors, we lost some great players in key positions. However, we do have a very talented younger class coming up that wants to step in and fill the gaps. I believe if we go into games focused and play our hardest, we can beat anyone. I’m excited for this season and to hopefully continue on the state championship run with a five-peat. I think any senior on a team will play a significant role leadership-wise. This year, I get to share that position as captain along with fellow senior Jay Collins. Our team is very motivated naturally, but as seniors we have the experience of playing more challenging teams than the younger players; therefore, I think strategy and keeping the team focused will be my main role this season as captain.”
Have you had a chance to talk to fellow Penn State commit Chloe Chicoine yet? What’s your impression of her as a player and a person?
“I have had a chance to talk with Chloe Chicoine. I am super excited for Chloe on finding her perfect fit, and to play with her in the future. I have actually met Chloe before through another camp, so we had spoken before she committed. What I love about Chloe is how competitive she is. She loves to win, just like me, and is always pushing her teammates around her. I think she will be a great player at Penn State and I can’t wait to watch her take on Mexico with USAV this fall.”
What are you most looking forward to about competing in the Under Armour All-America Match?
“Another incredible experience this summer was being invited to the Under Armor All-America tryout. I am so grateful to be one of six selected so far for the golden ticket to the games in Orlando, Florida, this December. There is so much to look forward to with the caliber of play and intensity of playing with and against other outstanding girls my age who I might see across the net in my college career. I am very blessed to have this upcoming opportunity in Orlando later this year.”