NSR volleyball prospect ‘sets’ good example for others

Abby Witucky enrolled with National Scouting Report as a virtual unknown. One-and-a-half years later, she received an offer from one of the premier NCAA Division II women’s volleyball programs.

A 6-foot setter from Marietta, Ohio, she had practically no exposure before being discovered by NSR.

Due to the ongoing efforts of Sheila Thiery, NSR National Volleyball Co-Director, the Parkersburg (W.Va.) Catholic High School junior is receiving lots of attention.

“We live in a small town in Southeastern, Ohio, where the mindset is only superstars go on to play in college,”  said Witucky’s mom, Jill.  “Once Abby fell in love with volleyball, she realized she wanted to be that superstar.”

“We were searching for a way to get Abby exposure, but didn’t know how,” said Witucky’s dad, Kevin. “We were overwhelmed with the lack of information we were given from coaches and what direction to take.  We had no idea what else was out there in regards to volleyball teams and tournaments until meeting Sheila and learning about NSR.”

Thiery wasn’t the least bit surprised that Witucky jumped from special mention All-State her sophomore year to first-team All-State as a junior.

“Abby is a very passionate competitor who’s an avid student of the game and works incessantly to improve all skills,” Thiery said. “She even has a full-size volleyball court in her back yard for everyday practice.  Being from a small town with limited club teams, she continually pushes herself to learn new skills from some of the best volleyball camps around (Penn State, FGCU, Coastal Carolina Univ. Setters Camp, and Tri-State Elite Camp in PA).  Her training is paying off.”

Thiery took a personal interest in Witucky and made sure that the ever-improving setter was on the right recruiting track, something the Witucky family appreciates.

“We are extremely grateful for Sheila,” Jill said.  “She saw the potential in Abby and new exactly how to help her. She suggested camps and tryouts to expose Abby and our family to a whole new level of volleyball that Abby was capable of playing.

“Once Abby saw the level of talent at this tournament she was all in. There was no going back to the previous mindset. Working with Sheila has helped Abby develop an entire new sense of confidence and commitment. She works even harder now knowing Sheila believes in her and understands the complexities of the recruiting process, so we don’t have to stress over it. Working with NSR is opening up opportunities for her and helping her dream of playing in college come true.”

With a myriad of regional and national tournaments taking place over the next few months, Witucky expects to catch the eyes of more college coaches as a member of the Mintonette Sports Organization. Playing for the National m.82 team, she hopes to show them her versatility along with her exceptional size and work ethic.

“She’s quick and athletic, gives all-out hustle on the court and doesn’t give up on a ball,” Thiery said. “She has great eye-hand coordination and is very versatile. Abby has great hands, strong fingers and sets the ball very well front and back. She runs a productive pin-to-pin offense keeping the defense guessing while feeding her middles with nice quick sets.”

The Witucky family sees the value of starting the recruiting process as early as possible.

“The biggest eye-opener (we learned) after meeting with Sheila is how early the (recruiting) process starts,” Jill said. “We knew we were a couple years behind and needed to put Abby on a fast track.

“We wish we would have found NSR sooner. Sheila did exactly what she said she would do and started opening up doors and opportunities for Abby. Within two to three weeks, Abby was receiving college interest and it has continued to increase and build momentum.”