After enjoying a memorable summer that included a trip to USA Volleyball Nationals in Chicago, Olivia Shaw was anxious to get back on the volleyball court for the Montgomery County Wildcats.

“Nationals made me want to come into this season and show what I can do,” the MCHS senior said.

Shaw gave MCHS fans plenty to cheer about on Aug. 31, when the Wildcats took on North Callaway in their home opener at Ballew & Snell Court. She recorded 19 kills to lead her team to a three-game victory over the Thunderbirds.

“It was so much fun,” Shaw said. “I was so excited when we were in the locker room. The JV (match) was in the third set and I was almost mad because I was so ready to go.”

Now, Shaw hopes that strong play will continue for the rest of the season. She returns to the Wildcats this fall after leading the Wildcats in kills (270) and blocks (51) and earning first-team all-Eastern Missouri Conference honors in 2022.

“Olivia is going to be a leader for us,” MCHS coach Rachel Leu said. “I think the one thing that she has done a really good job on is not just being a leader physically with her play, but just in staying up, talking to her teammates and setting the bar high for herself.”

Two months ago, Shaw helped the High Performance White select volleyball team qualify for the USA Volleyball Nationals, making it the first time the St. Louis-based program had its White team advance to the national tournament. HP is one of the top select volleyball programs in the country.

This fall, Shaw is playing in her fourth season with the MCHS volleyball program. She played with the junior varsity in her freshman year before moving to varsity when she was a sophomore. Shaw helped the Wildcats win three EMO titles, earned all-district honors twice and received an all-conference award.

“It’s crazy,” Shaw said. “I could remember my freshman year playing. I can’t believe that was three years ago.”

Shaw said in the match against North Callaway, she improved tremendously from the Wildcats’ season-opening loss to Hermann on Aug. 29. She finished with four kills in that contest.

“At Hermann, I was definitely a lot more nervous,” Shaw said. “I looked at Hermann’s game and I brought it here. I was like, ‘I’ll play like I know how to play, I’ll shake off the nerves, limit the mistakes and I’ll be good.’ I tried to bring that to the court (against North Callaway). I felt like I did much better than what I brought to Hermann’s court.”

Shaw is part of a talented senior class that includes Claire Cobb, Morgan Koch, Madi Polston and Ellie Robinson. All of them have played together with the Wildcats since they were freshmen.

“We came back stronger and we have this positive vibe that we didn’t have last year,” Shaw said. “We were all ready. We were determined to go out with a bang in our last year.”

Shaw is also competing in cross country for the Wildcats this year. She earned a medal at the Mexico Invitational on Sept. 1, placing 19th in the girls race. She’s a two-time all-EMO selection.