What is a Wildcat Award?

Once recognized, the wildcats that get nominated for a Wildcat Award get a plaque of recognition that outlines the purpose: “A Wildcat Award is an award that recognizes the student-athlete who exemplifies the characteristics of hard work and personal improvement and consistently displays a willingness to understand and learn. This student-athlete places team before self, while promoting the values of sportsmanship and ethical play in competition and strives at the highest level both on the field and in the classroom. This award represents the best of Hazelwood West.” 

Kassidy McCabe, a Hazelwood West High School freshman, has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication to the varsity volleyball team at West. Mr. Micheal Vaughn, teacher and coach at Hazelwood West, nominated Kassidy McCabe for the Wildcat Award for the 2024 season.

McCabe has played volleyball for three years in her club organization and plans to continue playing throughout high school and college. McCabe brought not only her skills but her dedication and love for the sport to West’s varsity team. Being a freshman on an upper-level team can be intimidating, but McCabe found a leader and role model in senior, Makayla Glen. 

“Makayla took me under her wing and never yelled at me or got mad at me if I messed up plays. She made sure to motivate me and include me,” McCabe said.

McCabe acted as an outside hitter at the start of the season but moved to libero, the all-around position, by the end of the season. Before games, Kassidy listens to a motivational podcast, and the team does a prayer. McCabe loves getting hyped up before her games, and her number one choice of a song is ‘Love Yourz’ by J. Cole. 

“I love the energy, the competition, and the feeling of getting the perfect hit or pass. It is the kind of sport that builds bonds between people that can last throughout high school,” McCabe said.

McCabe loves volleyball because it pushes her to be better every time she steps on the court. Her favorite memory of being a part of this team is the Cape Girardeau trip when they would stay up past curfew in the hotel and just talk and laugh all night. 

“I see myself getting more achievements and pushing myself to improve my skill,” McCabe said.