Alumni Spotlight

Caroline McKey Younger ‘11

After graduating The Dunham School, Caroline attended Millsaps College where she was Conference MVP as well as All-Conference, All-Academic All-Conference, and All-South Region player by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.  She now is Chief of Team for Vista Consulting, the business resource for plaintiff law firms.

Favorite memory as a Dunham Athlete?

Goodness, there are so many memories. How can I just pick one favorite? The scavenger hunts we went on as a volleyball team are for sure top of the list. Your team would get the most points if you picked up roadkill…you can bet my team stopped on the side of the road and brought back some roadkill. It was just a rubber boot we found, but we convinced everyone that there was something dead inside while hoping no one would check, and we would get the points. Another favorite was being on the varsity basketball team as a 7th grader and our team went to the state semifinals. And lastly, I always loved game days because there would be a little extra time between school and the game and we would always run to the gas station and grab snacks or go to a teammate's house who lived close by and just hang out. I have so many fun memories of those times.

How did playing sports at Dunham impact your life?

How didn’t it impact my life? From a young age I was always involved in sports, but in middle school I joined the volleyball team at Dunham and that changed everything for me. The importance of teamwork, communication, and leadership are all skills that playing sports have taught me. I had coaches at Dunham that made a lasting impact on my life and have shaped me to be who I am today.

What is something - advice or practice - that your coach taught you that has continued in your life today?  

Coach Pixley’s favorite quote she always told us was, “That which doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger.” I have repeated that to myself during many seasons in my life. I think of it often, and I always think of how grateful I am for her guidance. She pushed me to be the best athlete I could be, but more importantly she pushed me to be a better person each and every day.

Did you play outside of Dunham? If so, describe the transition from high school to college or professional ball.

I did. I played volleyball at Millsaps College in Jackson Mississippi. For me the transition was fairly easy. I felt super prepared in the classroom as well as on the court thanks to my teachers and coaches at Dunham. I knew the importance of hard work and I think it really helped me excel on the court in college. 

What advice would you give to student athletes today?

Take it all in. This time in your life goes by very quickly. While trying to soak in all in remember that there is more to life than the actual game you are playing. Build meaningful relationships and learn the importance of hard work.