Quincy University Hawks

Career (2021-24): Makayla was a part of the Hawks women's volleyball team for four seasons. During the four seasons, Quincy went 95-28 with two  GLVC Regular Season Co-Championships and three NCAA Tournaments berths. Eckel saw action in 46 matches and totaled 140 sets, where she had nine assists, 13 service aces, and 51 digs. 
-    4x GLVC Academic All-Conference (2021, 22, 23, 24)
-    Brother James Gaffney Distinguished Scholar (2024)
-    Council of Presidents' Academic Excellence Award (2024)

2024 (Senior): Eckel appeared in all 31 matches for the Hawks in her senior season, primarily serving as the serve specialist for QU. Over the course of 116 sets, she recorded 51 digs, seven assists, and 13 service aces. She recorded her first career ace against Anderson (9/6/24) and had a career-high six digs against Ferris State (10/19/24).
-    GLVC Academic All-Conference
-    Brother James Gaffney Distinguished Scholar
-    Council of Presidents' Academic Excellence Award

2023 (Junior): In her junior season, Eckel appeared in 14 matches for a total of 23 sets, where she recorded six digs and two assists. She recorded her first dig against Hannibal-LaGrange (10/4/23).
-    GLVC Academic All-Conference

2022 (Sophomore): Made her collegiate debut, appearing in a set against Indianapolis (9/30/22).
-    GLVC Academic All-Conference

2021 (Freshman): Did not see action.
-    GLVC Academic All-Conference

Personal: Makayla Eckel, a standout athlete from Bradford High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has built an impressive volleyball career marked by leadership and excellence. A multi-year captain, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference and First Team All-County honors in both 2019 and 2020. Her contributions helped lead her team to an SEC Conference Championship and a Regional Championship in 2018. Over her career, she amassed 790 kills and 474 digs, solidifying her impact on the court.

Beyond sports, Makayla excelled academically, graduating with honors and being a proud member of the National Honors Society. She comes from a family with a strong athletic tradition— her mother, Jennifer Eckel, played golf at Grand Valley State University, and her sister, Allyson Eckel, played volleyball at Middle Tennessee.

In her free time, Makayla enjoys reading, traveling to new places, and spending time with friends. Her favorite athletes include Giannis Antetokounmpo and USC Volleyball alum Victoria Garrick. As a dedicated Wisconsin sports fan, she passionately supports the Milwaukee Bucks and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Volleyball team.

Why QU?
I chose QU because the environment was so welcoming as soon as I stepped on campus. I love the friendly atmosphere, and everyone here wants you to succeed. The women's volleyball program is also very competitive and growing, and I want to be a part of that.