Macknicki a hit for Moose

Like a goaltender staring down a National Hockey League slapshot or a hitter looking at a Major League fastball -- that is how some opponents may feel about facing the powerful hit of Palmer High's Jessie Macknicki.

The Palmer senior has not only earned the reputation of being arguably the best all-around volleyball player in the state, but those who play Palmer always stay aware of the Macknicki hit

The 5-foot, 6-inch Macknicki gets up high and sends the ball charging down toward the floor on the other side of the net at blazing speeds.

Macknicki's key to sending speedballs of an unthinkable velocity toward opponents is just that.

"Get high and hit hard," she said.

Palmer head volleyball coach Steve Reynolds said several attributes allow Macknicki to have one of the hardest spikes seen in Alaska prep volleyball.

"It's a combination, a bunch of stuff," Reynolds said. "Jessie is terribly athletic, has strength and impeccable technique, near perfect technique. Her best hit balls are textbook. They belong on videotape.

"Her good hits are near perfect."

Reynolds agrees that it is the massive hit of Macknicki that garners the most attention, but it is the all-around play that makes her such a success on the hardwood.

"She is the best all-around player in the state," Reynolds said. "I don't know if there is anyone better all-around. There are taller and bigger players, but no one who is better all-around."

In addition to her athletic ability, Reynolds also pointed out the intangibles of Macknicki.

"I literally have to tell her something one time and she will do it, "Reynolds said. "I almost feel a little bad that I don't push her more.

Macknicki has been an impact player for the Moose for four seasons.

"We knew as a freshman that she was amazing," Reynolds said.

"She improves every year and I don't know where it will stop," Reynolds added. "I keep waiting for her to plateau, but she has not reached that point. Each time that I think that she can not get any better (at this level), she gets way better again."

Macknicki does not just hit the hardwood for the Moose, she is active year-round in the sport playing on various club teams in addition to her prep squad.

"I don't have a break from volleyball," Macknicki said. "I live volleyball."

Macknicki certainly has a future in the sport and wants the sport a part of her future.

Though she admits she is too short to play Division I, Macknicki said she would like to tackle the Division II level at a school such as or comparable to Alaska Anchorage. She said that UAA is an option, but does not want to rule out an out of state college.