At the heart of every athletic journey is a story of dedication, hard work, and perseverance, and for 18-year-old Campbell Flynn of Farmington Hills Mercy High School, this narrative has led her to a remarkable milestone: being named the 2024-25 Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. This prestigious accolade was handed to her by none other than three-time Olympic medalist April Ross, in an unforgettable moment during a surprise ceremony at her high school gymnasium. Surrounded by family, teammates, and the community that has supported her throughout her career, Flynn’s sense of disbelief and joy was evident as she received the honor.
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A Dream Realized
“I didn’t think that this was ever gonna happen — I had a little feeling, but I didn’t know if I would ever get an award as amazing as this,” Flynn confessed, speaking about the surprise presentation. “Getting it from April, too, is crazy. I’m just so happy.” The overwhelming emotion of the moment was palpable, as Flynn’s family had known about the honor for several days prior to the ceremony, and the surprise element only heightened the significance of the occasion.
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The announcement from Gatorade followed the company’s recognition of Flynn as the Gatorade Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, a feat that placed her in the same league as other exceptional athletes, including former Mercy star Jess Mruzik, who also won back-to-back state and national honors in 2019-2020. Just a month earlier, Flynn had also been named Michigan Miss Volleyball for 2024, further cementing her legacy in the state’s volleyball history.
The Numbers Behind the Recognition
Flynn’s path to this recognition has been built on her exceptional performance on the court. Standing at 6-foot-3, Flynn’s skill set has made her a dominant force in the Michigan high school volleyball scene. During the 2024 season, she totaled 730 assists, 188 digs, 131 kills, 52 blocks, and 36 aces. Her all-around game helped guide the Mercy Marlins to their first Catholic High School League (CHSL) championship since 2019, and a third consecutive district title. Along with her athletic prowess, Flynn maintained an impressive 3.94 GPA, a testament to her ability to balance the demands of sports and academics.
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Her athletic contributions were not limited to her high school team, as she also earned a spot on the U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team. In the summer of 2024, she was part of the team that won a gold medal at the North, Central America, and Caribbean (NORCECA) Volleyball Confederation championships. It’s this level of success on both the national and international stages that makes Flynn’s future in volleyball look exceedingly bright.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Gatorade Player of the Year award is part of a larger program that honors one high school athlete from each state, as well as from the District of Columbia, across 12 sports. Each state winner is then considered for the national award, which recognizes not only athletic ability but also character. For Flynn, the recognition goes beyond her physical skills; her character was a key factor in her selection. According to Gatorade’s representative, it was Flynn’s integrity and sportsmanship that set her apart from other candidates. This is something that her mother, Shayne Flynn, took great pride in.
Shayne, who has been a constant source of support for Campbell, reflected on the moment Gatorade informed her about what made Campbell stand out. “The thing I remember, he just said that obviously she’s a talented athlete, but her character is what stood out head and shoulders above the rest of the candidates,” Shayne shared, her voice filled with pride. For Campbell, it was never just about the accolades; it was always about doing things the right way and showing respect to the game and to others.
April Ross’ Advice: A Guiding Light for the Future
During the ceremony, April Ross, who retired from professional volleyball in November, offered Campbell some vital advice for navigating the next chapter of her career. With years of experience competing at the highest level, Ross knows the demands of elite-level volleyball and shared some crucial tips for success.
“Make sure you take care of your body when you go to college,” Ross advised Flynn. “The volume increases, the stress increases a little bit. So just get in the training room, get your rehab, and focus on recovery.” This simple but essential guidance is not just about physical recovery but also about ensuring mental well-being and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
For Flynn, these words resonated deeply. Her commitment to volleyball has been all-consuming, and she knows that the road ahead, especially at the collegiate level, will demand even more from her. “I feel like she has everything she needs to succeed in volleyball,” Ross concluded, underscoring the belief that Flynn is well-equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead.
Looking Ahead: College and Beyond
As Campbell Flynn closes her high school chapter, she reflects on how much the sport has shaped her life. “It means everything. So many life lessons I’ve learned from volleyball,” she said. “And everyone, I feel, should do a sport at least once in their life because it just — there’s highs and there’s lows, but you also have time management and everything. So I think this sport has taught me so much.”
Looking ahead to her future, Flynn is set to join the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers after graduation, where she will continue her volleyball journey. The program is renowned for its success and commitment to developing top-tier athletes, and Flynn’s addition to the team is eagerly anticipated. With her impressive resume and exceptional talent, Flynn is poised to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten Conference and beyond.
The Final Word
In many ways, Campbell Flynn represents the best of what sports can teach us: discipline, resilience, and the power of teamwork. She has not only excelled on the court but has done so with humility, grace, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates, her family, and her community. As she prepares to embark on the next stage of her athletic career, it is clear that this is only the beginning for Campbell Flynn. The Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year award is a monumental achievement, but it is likely to be just one of many accolades in a career that promises to be filled with even greater success.
Flynn’s story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, reminding them that with hard work, dedication, and a strong sense of character, anything is possible.
