Story by J.T. Elliott
Photo courtesy of Kristi Wells
The Lady Knights of Madison Christian Academy (MCA) had high expectations this season. Every game was preparation for the goal of winning a championship. They lived up to those expectations this weekend by winning the Kentucky Christian Schools Athletic Association (KCSAA) division one state volleyball tournament in Elizabethtown at the Bluegrass Sportsplex.
Of the 23 schools that participated in the conference this season, only the top eight advanced to play in the KCSAA division one state tournament. Those eight are determined by the regular season conference RPI. After finishing the regular season with an impressive 29-4 record, the Lady Knights entered the tournament ranked third in the RPI.
In the quarterfinal match , the Lady Knights defeated Nelson County Baptist School in straight sets (27-25, 25-15). They followed that performance with a victory over FAITH Defenders of Elizabethtown in the semifinal round (25-18, 21-25, 18-16). Finally, the championship game featured MCA against the top seed, Landmark Christian from Louisville. The Lady Knights captured the title in three sets (25-20, 18-25, 15-11).
MCA’s Junior middle hitter, Hailey Riley, was named Most Valuable Player of the State Championship. Other honors include Seniors Kaelyn Wilson and Allie Edmister being selected to the All-Tournament Team. Wilson was also named the 2025 KCSAA Miss Volleyball, as voted by the volleyball coaches across the state.
This is the MCA’s second division one state championship in program history. Previously they accomplished this feat in 2022. The Lady Knights were state runner-up in both 2023 and 2024. MCA is coached by Melinda Lawrence, who also serves as athletic director for the program.
