At a young age, Alyson Cahill became a familiar presence at Mother McAuley’s gym. Her mother, Erica, coached the junior varsity team. Alyson and her sister, Grace, often spent their time there, turning those moments into cherished memories. Alyson recalls, “Before I even started playing, I loved the atmosphere of the sport. McAuley’s fans always filled the stands. I knew one day I wanted to be out there.”
Now a junior middle hitter, Alyson plays a crucial role for the Mighty Macs. She helped the team win the championship at the 24-team ASICS Challenge in Chicago. As a Troy recruit, she contributed five kills and five blocks, leading the Mighty Macs to victory over Assumption of Kentucky with scores of 25-23 and 25-17.
Alyson’s teammate, Keira McQuillan, who is committed to UConn and was named to the all-tournament team, added 10 kills for McAuley, which claimed the title for the seventh time, first since 2023. Peyton Heatherly, committed to Coastal Carolina, had 22 assists, while Ava Calle, heading to Youngstown State, made 15 digs. They defeated Assumption 25-23, 25-21 earlier in a nonconference match. In Kentucky, Assumption had beaten McAuley 26-24, 25-20.
“This shows we’re getting better,” McQuillan said. “Winning twice in three days is great, and it reflects our hard work.” Assumption came into the tournament ranked third nationally by the American Volleyball Coaches Association/USA Today, with McAuley ranked 15th. Alyson has worked diligently to excel as a middle hitter.
“Outside of volleyball, she’s one of my best friends,” McQuillan praised Alyson. “She’s one of the top middles in the state for our age group, and it shows.” Mother McAuley coach Jen DeJarld shared this sentiment. “We’re challenging Alyson to improve her blocking and score more points. Having setters trust our middles benefits us.”
While the championship match drew attention, the semifinal thrilled Southland volleyball fans. The Mighty Macs beat rival Marist 25-20, 23-25, 25-23. Alyson Cahill and her teammate, Chyla Jukes, celebrated points against Assumption during the ASICS Challenge final.
Defending Class 4A state champion Marist fell in the semifinals. Alyson provided six blocks. With Marist leading 22-21 in the third set, Alyson made a critical kill and partnered with McQuillan on a block, securing a 23-22 advantage. McQuillan concluded with a kill and an ace. She had 14 kills in the match, while Jayce Prohaska added 11.
Maggie Kurpeikis, a Michigan recruit, led Marist with 13 kills, and Taylor Berg, heading to Western Michigan, added 12. Alyson Cahill, Chyla Jukes, and Jayce Prohaska created a strong blocking defense in the finals against Assumption.
The two rivals will face off again Tuesday in a GCAC Red match at McAuley. Alyson expressed enthusiasm for the semifinal bout. “It was thrilling. Marist is one of our top competitors,” she said. “Every game matters, but this one feels special, adding excitement because we know them well.”
Alyson previously teamed with sister Grace, who now plays for NCAA Division II Spring Hill in Alabama. Alyson plans to attend Troy in two years. She comments on the journey, “They watched me play all season at the club. I like the coaches. They are genuine. I attended their summer camp and it felt right. I believe it’s the best choice for me.”