Makena Phillips has lived in Ptarmigan for the past seven years, where she lives with her mom, dad, brother, and two dogs, Kobe and Luka. A student at Fossil Ridge High School, Makena is known for her strong work ethic, commitment to service, and passion for volleyball, all qualities that will soon take her beyond high school and into an exciting new chapter.

 

After graduation, Makena will attend George Fox University in Oregon, where she plans to play collegiate volleyball while majoring in Psychology with a minor in Worship Arts. “I’m really excited to continue playing volleyball while studying something I’m passionate about,” she shared. “It feels like the perfect next step.”

 

Volleyball has been a central part of Makena’s life for the past decade. Growing up around the sport helped spark that passion. Her father serves as the Head Strength Coach at CSU, and spending time around college volleyball players inspired her early on. “I hung out with a lot of volleyball players growing up, and I just loved the game,” Makena said. “I especially enjoy the teamwork and the way the game is played.” She was further inspired to pursue collegiate athletics by her brother, who played college basketball, along with her cousins, all of whom competed at the collegiate level.

 

Her dedication has paid off. Makena has earned Teammate of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons, been named to the Academic All-State First Team, and achieved her goal of playing volleyball at the collegiate level. One of her strengths on the court is versatility. Having trained and played in multiple positions, she brings adaptability and flexibility to every team she joins.

 

Beyond athletics, Makena is deeply involved in her community. She volunteers with the National Charity League (NCL), an experience she began alongside her mother in seventh grade. “Volunteering with my mom has been really meaningful,” she said. She also works at Limonata by Paninos, a local restaurant that opened over the summer. Through family connections and shared musical theater experiences with the owners’ children, Makena found a great place to work.

 

Balancing school, sports, volunteering, and work requires organization, and Makena credits careful planning for keeping everything on track. “I set up a schedule in advance,” she explained. “That helps me stay focused and manage my time.”

 

When asked who she admires, Makena points to her brother’s girlfriend, someone whose example left a lasting impression. “She had a similar high school experience and worked really hard,” Makena shared. “She was motivated, involved in sports, school, work, and other activities, and that really inspired me.”

 

As Makena prepares to take her next steps, her dedication, balance, and positive attitude reflect the values of both her family and the community she calls home.