Volleyball: Mackenzie Fidelak earns Class 4A Player of the Year honors

It’s been a memorable few weeks for Mackenzie Fidelak. On Nov. 9, the senior inked an early letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Stanford University, fulfilling a long-time dream. On Nov. 10, she led the Cougars to their first appearance in the Class 4A state semifinals since 1997. Then, on Nov. 21, Fidelak was named Class 4A Player of the Year by the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA).

“It’s a wonderful accomplishment,” said Niwot head volleyball coach Daisha Agho of her standout senior. Fidelak is the first Cougar to be named First Team All-State since Cori Kirschling in 2014. “Seeing some of the talent around 4A and being able to see it at the state tournament, I think she’s well-deserving of that accolade.”

Unsurprisingly, Fidelak had an impressive year statistically on both offense and defense. Not only did she lead the Cougars in kills (275), and kills per set (2.8), but she was also the team’s leading digger (250). She had 321 assists on the year, second only to setter Katie Hirsch (395), and was also second in aces (41) and third in blocks (69). During her four years as a varsity starter for Niwot, she amassed 1,049 kills in 351 sets (3.0 k/s) and 250 total blocks. In 2016, she was named Second-Team All-State by CHSAA.

Also receiving post-season honors for the Cougars was junior Emma Falk, who was named All-State Honorable Mention for her 2017 season.

“She’s very deserving, of Honorable Mention or even Second team,” said Agho of the slyly powerful third-year varsity middle. “I’m obviously really looking forward to having her back for next year.”

Falk led the Cougars in hitting percentage (.463), blocks (116), and aces (46), and came up with clutch points for Niwot time and again in big games, including Niwot’s five-set thriller against Holy Family on Oct. 23, where she had 11 kills and eight blocks.

“It’s really, really exciting,” continued Agho. “So many really positive things are coming out of our season and this group of girls.”