Today, Mercy graduate Campbell Flynn received the Volleyball Gatorade National Player of the Year award. Under the guise of an interview, Flynn walked into the Mercy gym and was immediately surrounded by family and friends as she was presented the trophy from retired professional volleyball player April Ross, three-time Olympic Medalist in beach volleyball and 2000 Volleyball National Gatorade National Player of the Year.

Flynn celebrated the prestigious award, the highest high school athletic recognition she has received, with a press conference, interviews, and photos with family, friends, and coaches.

“I had a feeling something was happening,” Flynn said. “I didn’t think it was going to be this. It was so crazy, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. All my family and friends were there and it was just such a surreal moment.”

The Volleyball Gatorade National Player of the Year award recipient is chosen by a selection committee composed of a wide range of sports advisers, coaches, high school sports experts, and journalists in order to get a wide variety of viewpoints. Athletes are chosen based on their athletic performance, academics within the classroom, and their character, including involvement in the community.

Flynn became the second Mercy student to win the Volleyball National Gatorade Player of the Year award, following Jess Mruzik ‘19, who received the award in 2020. Mruzik went on to play volleyball at the University of Michigan and Penn State University, eventually winning the 2024 D1 Volleyball National Championship with the Penn State team.

When asked how she felt being now the third volleyball player from Michigan to win the award Flynn answered simply:

“It’s an honor.” Flynn said. “Putting another Michigan name [on the award] is very special.”

Flynn accepted her trophy alongside her mom, dad, brother, sister, and grandparents, filled with pride.

“I just was overcome with emotion because this wasn’t even on our radar,” Shayne Flynn, Flynn’s mom, said. “We were just so shocked, and of course, extremely proud.”

Flynn was a four year starter on the Mercy Varsity Volleyball team, leading them to the 2023 volleyball state title in Michigan and is committed to play volleyball in the spring at the University of Nebraska. She was chosen as an 2024 Under Armour All-American and participated on the USA Volleyball u21 and u19 teams in 2023 and 2024, winning two gold medals. Even with all her accolades she acknowledges that there are many talented volleyball players across the country.

“I’ve worked really hard for this and I think I deserve it but there’s also other amazing athletes that also deserve it, so I’m just really honored to get it,” Flynn said.

See more photos of the award presentation on newsprintnow.net in photo galleries