Double Take: Mack Sisters Commit to Division I School

By Lorrie Ham

The Mound Westonka High School volleyball team is on a roll this year, thanks in part to junior twin sisters Brenna and Callie Mack.

After being heavily recruited, both girls recently made commitments to attend the University of Akron, Ohio after graduation.

The White Hawks opened section play Oct. 27 against Norwood Young America with their best season record ever of 20-7-1.

Brenna, an outside hitter, made school history in October by recording her 1,000th career kill, a feat no other Mound Westonka volleyball player of record has done. The assist, fittingly, came from her sister, Callie, a setter.

The Mack sisters began playing volleyball together when they were 11 years old, following a trip to Jamaica where they discovered beach volleyball. Upon returning home, they joined the Minnesota 1 (M1) club team—where they still play year-round volleyball.

Both girls also run track for MWHS, after which they often head directly to volleyball practice.

“We usually have to do our homework in the car,” laughed Callie.

The girls competed in gymnastics and played hockey in the past, but settled into MWHS volleyball when they made the varsity team as eighth-graders.

One of the first volleyball camps they attended as youngsters was run by MWHS coach Katie Jo O’Gara.

“I remember the day when they walked into my youth camp and touched a volleyball for the first time," said O’Gara. "They have been hooked ever since.”

Both girls say they are excited about the team’s success this year.

“It’s been so great to see this team evolve over the years,” said Brenna. “We’ve all worked really hard and it’s great to see that pay off.”

Brenna and Callie have also found success off the court as well, placing fifth in international competition for a DECA paper they wrote together.

“We work well together,” said Callie.

They are members of National Honor Society and Link Crew. Both girls also carry a 4.0 GPA.

“They are hard working, dedicated and highly competitive young women who strive to be the best in everything they do,” said O’Gara. “I appreciate their effort and attitude every day.” 

Callie plans to take business and art classes in college, while Brenna hopes to combine her interests in sports and marketing.

The girls gave a special thank you to their parents, Linda and Craig Mack of Minnetrista. Linda was a U of M gymnast, while Craig played hockey for the Gophers.

“They understand exactly what we want to do and support us completely,” said Brenna.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” added Callie.

What would the girls like to accomplish in their high school volleyball careers?

“That’s easy,” said Brenna, “a trip to the state tournament.”

“That would be the ultimate,” Callie said.