By: Athena Salcedo
KENNESAW, Ga. - When Maggie Butkovich steps onto the court for her final season with Kennesaw State volleyball, the title "senior" represents years of perseverance, growth, and leadership that have shaped the Owls' culture.
Maggie's volleyball journey began early in her life. "I started playing when I was probably like nine or ten years old," said Butkovich. Her mom, a former college volleyball player, introduced her to the sport. "I played a lot of sports … but by age 11 or 12 I started really liking volleyball specifically."
Her height and volleyball IQ quickly set her apart, and by eighth grade, college coaches were already reaching out.
"I was getting recruited before I even picked a high school," she said. Ultimately, Kennesaw State became the clear choice, a decision inspired by both relationships and fit. "One of my old club teammates, Shelby Dennis, was here, and I just loved the coaches and the atmosphere".
Head Coach Keith Schunzel said that the sense of connection was mutual. "She's such a kind, warm, inviting person. People aren't scared to open up to her. She makes everybody feel valued."
Maggie's path hasn't been without its challenges. During her junior season, she battled an oblique injury that lingered for months. "It felt like my stomach was ripping in half," she said. "Every day at practice, I knew I was going to be in pain."
Instead of retreating, Maggie found ways to lead from the sidelines, supporting teammates, encouraging others, and modeling resilience. "She's helped this program tremendously, even when she couldn't be on the court as much as she wanted," said Schunzel. "That's a really hard thing to do, but she's pulled it off."
Now in her senior year, Maggie's leadership is something that sets her apart. "Everybody on every team has a role," she said. "For me, that's being someone who's steady, someone who shows up for people and helps them grow."
Her approach centers on care and connection. "I hope that [my teammates] remember more just that I cared about them and less about what I did on the volleyball court. I've learned how important it is to make people feel seen and valued."
Maggie and her fellow seniors have emphasized the importance of prioritizing accountability, communication, and emotional control. "We've all come from totally different places, but we've gotten to the same place together. If you're not uncomfortable enough to make mistakes, you're never going to get better."
For Maggie, standout moments range from a breakout match against Mississippi State early in her career, "I had kill after kill after kill … and I didn't even know what was going on," commented Butkovich, to sweeping Wichita State on the road this season. "We worked so hard all spring and summer. To walk into their place and just say, 'We're ready'? That felt great."
Four years at KSU have taught her more than just techniques. "Time management, perseverance, teamwork, all of that," she said. "But I've also learned that my identity isn't just in volleyball. If all you care about is the sport, it's going to disappoint you at some point."
Her focus now is on being a supportive teammate and a mentor with values she'll carry long after her final match.
Maggie's impact is clear. Her play inspires others, but her leadership defines her. "She really understands people and connection," said Schunzel. "She's influenced everyone on this team in some way."
