Athlete Spotlight: Kailey Roche

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

SALEM, Mass. -- Our athlete spotlight focuses on the reigning MASCAC Defensive Player of the Week, setter Kailey Roche from Billerica, Mass. Roche collected 46 digs, seven service aces, and four assists in a 1-1 week for the Vikings. She had a match-high 26 digs with four aces and a pair of assists for the Vikings in their five-set win over Bridgewater State and added 20 digs and three aces in a 3-0 setback to Colby Sawyer.

The biology major expressed what it means to earn this achievement. "I've been working hard to be the best that I can be, and it's an honor to be named Defensive Player of the Week." Roche explained what kind of adjustments she made from the previous season to this one. "I didn't realize how different high school and college volleyball is. I had to adjust to the faster pace of play. I also started playing as a defensive specialist once I came to Salem State, so learning a new position was a big adjustment."

The Billerica native expressed that this past Saturday's game against Bridgewater State was an upset. "I definitely consider it an upset based on the preseason poll. I'm so proud of everyone for the way we played. Haley's (Phillips) service run in the 3rd set and Presley's (Shairs) and Abigail's (O'Connor) hitting really stuck out to me. I feel like we really played as a team, and we fought hard." 

She mentioned the importance of the upcoming conference games and finishing the regular season strong and hopefully earning a postseason game at home. "It would be huge for us to do well in the conference this year, we had a low preseason poll rank and if we do well against the other MASCAC teams I think it would make a big statement. "

The sophomore, who started playing volleyball when she was in fourth grade talked about what it means to be one of the captains. "It's a huge honor for me to be a captain this year, it means a lot that the girls felt like they could trust me to lead them. Abby (O'Connor) and Eva (Haralabatos) are great; I think we work well together and I love playing with them."  

She also mentioned what changed about the team from last season to this season. "Last year we were a very young team, a lot of the girls on the court were freshmen with very limited college experience. This year, I can tell the team as a whole feels more comfortable playing together and at a higher level. "

A match that stood out to her was the team's first tri-match of the season when the team traveled to New Haven, Connecticut to begin the 2023 campaign. "Our first tri-match against Albertus Magnus and SUNY Old Westbury stood out to me a lot. Starting our season off with two wins gave us a lot of confidence."  

Roche talked about her routine before games and practice. "Before games, Presley (Shairs) always braids my hair and I drink a Starbucks refresher. I also listen to music before games and practices to get myself in the right mindset."

An interesting fact about her and women's volleyball head coach [Karen] McNulty is that they are both from the same hometown of Billerica, Mass., and both played volleyball at Billerica Memorial High School. Her go-to meal is a bagel with turkey, cheese and lettuce from Bagel World.   

As far as the off-season routine goes. "I like to go to the gym and lift and I try to stay in touch with my teammates."

She has a message for future generations of aspiring volleyball players. "Start early and stay committed. Volleyball has brought me so many connections and friendships, I wouldn't trade it for the world."

Her parents have impacted the sophomore in a unique way. "My mom and dad for sure, they're my biggest fans and they support me as much as they can. They do their best to make it to every game and they love cheering me on." 

She mentioned her favorite team and a player that she admires. "Nebraska is my favorite D1 team to watch, my favorite player is Lexi Rodriguez, her defense is insane."

Roche mentioned a professional player she would love to see play. "I would love to see Zoe Fleck, she played for Texas in college but now she plays professionally. She gets touches on basically every ball and I want to play how she does."

Roche and the Vikings will travel to Westfield State for a conference game on Wednesday night. Game time is at 7:00 p.m.