(Editor's Note: This is part of a series of stories of the RUDY Award finalists. Two winners – one male and one female – will be announced at the conclusion of the end of the R.UD.Y.S. Awards Banquet on Monday.
R.U.D.Y.S. stands for Recognition and celebration of University of Dayton student-athletes Year-end Showcase. It is hosted by the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Dayton Athletics administration for the student-athletes to recognize individuals and teams for their accomplishments this past year.
These stories were written by students in Dr. Haozho Pu's HS 353 Sports Media class.)
Written by Carter Sims, Juliana Gonzalez, Kevin Durkin
Kaitlyn McNeel never took her time as a Dayton Flyer for granted.
A redshirt senior outside hitter from Richmond, Virginia, McNeel built her career on resilience, growth and a strong appreciation for the people around her. At Godwin High School, she developed into one of the top players in the state, earning three Virginia Class 5 first-team all-state selections and surpassing 1,000 career kills. She was also named the Richmond Times-Dispatch All-Metro Player of the Year and the USA Today Virginia Volleyball Player of the Year.
At Dayton, McNeel continued to grow into her role over time. During the 2025 season, she appeared in 88 sets and started 14 matches, finishing with 158 kills, 55 digs and 56 blocks while setting new career highs across multiple categories.
Q: Describe yourself in three words?
A: Organized, passionate and hardworking.
Q: What does being a Flyer mean to you?
A: It honestly means everything to me. I love this school and all the people who have helped me throughout my time here. I'm really proud to be a Flyer, and I know it's something I'll always come back to after I graduate.
Q: What is one of the most influential moments in your athletic career?
A: Some of the most meaningful moments for me have been after games, just getting to spend time with my family and friends. Knowing they were there supporting me, even when I wasn't always playing, meant a lot and really put things into perspective.
Q: How has being a student-athlete contributed to your personal growth and development?
A: Being a student-athlete has played a big role in my personal growth, especially with time management and handling multiple commitments. You're balancing classes, practices, games and schoolwork at all times, so you have to stay organized and disciplined. That's something that's helped me both on and off the court.
Q: What are your future goals and aspirations after graduating from UD?
A: I want to go into marketing and hopefully stay involved in volleyball by coaching at the club or high school level. I definitely want to stay around the sport in some way.
Q: What was the experience of being a redshirt your freshman year like? How did it change your perspective?
A: I came in with an injury, so it wasn't how I expected to start. But I think it helped me grow a lot. I'm really grateful the staff continued to support me, and it gave me a different perspective on the game and my role.
Q: What was the Sweet 16 run like for you and what stood out the most?
A: Even though I didn't play, it showed me how important every role is on a team. Playing at Nebraska and looking up at the crowd was crazy, especially coming from Richmond where volleyball isn't as big. Being with my teammates and seeing the banner go up was something I'll never forget.
Q: Most athletes face a mental 'wall.' If you ever went through this, how did you break through it?
A: Every season, there was a moment where I felt like I couldn't do something or I faced a difficult challenge. I leaned on my family, coaches and teammates as my support system. There are days that are really hard, but it goes by so quickly, so you have to learn to enjoy both the good and the bad.
Q: What is some advice for younger players entering Division I college volleyball or sports?
A: Never give up. There are always going to be ups and downs, but you can do it. Use your support system and remember what you are capable of.
