🏐 Alumni of the Week: Billy O’Connell
Shippensburg University | Prevail Class of ‘22
Finding His Fit—One Tournament at a Time
For Billy O’Connell, volleyball wasn’t love at first serve. He was new to the sport, bouncing between other athletic commitments and unsure if club volleyball would be the right fit. But one spontaneous weekend with Prevail changed everything.
“Kenny and Brie brought me along to a late-night tournament and I ended up playing at Spooky Nook the next morning. It was unironically so fun—it clicked.”
That weekend jumpstarted a passion that would carry Billy through high school, into club leadership, and eventually to Shippensburg University, where he now serves as President of the Men’s Club Volleyball Team.
Club Volleyball, Real Connection
“It helped me find my identity during a struggling phase in high school. I was able to mesh with now-friends from different schools, and that made the sport so enjoyable.”
He credits coaches like John McInerney for introducing him to volleyball the right way, and Coach Kasey Gentry for keeping the team locked in through a competitive and challenging 18s season.
“Thanks Prevail—for bringing me into this wild, fun, and meaningful world.”
Knowing His Lane
Billy didn’t pursue volleyball as a recruiting path—and yet, the sport still found him.
“I didn’t try to go to college for volleyball, but it found me there.”
Now at Shippensburg, Billy has discovered a new pace and freedom in the club volleyball world. The biggest shift from high school?
“No expectations. Show up when you want. Leave when you want. You engage as much—or as little—as you choose. Very different.”
But that freedom fueled his growth. Today, he leads the charge as club president and continues developing his skills on the court—especially in a role he never expected.
“I wish I had started setting way earlier instead of being a libero. I would’ve enjoyed high school and club way more. Now I’m a setter—and loving it.”
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Balancing the Grind
As a Pi Sigma Alpha National Honors Fraternity member, Billy knows how to juggle priorities. His advice?
“Get those pesky essays done the weekend before or the day after. That way, weekends stay open for volleyball.”
He also notes that club volleyball isn’t a step down—it’s a space full of talent, passion, and potential.
“You’d be surprised how many skilled players opt to play club over joining a program. Collegiate club teams around here could beat some D3 programs—easy.”
Advice From the Court
To current Prevail athletes aiming for the next level:
“Don’t stop working hard—on or off the court—just because you feel like you’re good enough.”
And if he could go back and talk to his younger self?
“Start learning to set sooner.”
It’s that growth mindset that helped him evolve—both as a player and a leader.
Still Connected, Still Competing
Being a Prevail alum means keeping one eye on the future and the other on the next generation. Billy finds joy in watching today’s teams compete and excel.
“Looking at the achievements of the new groups makes me happy I chose Prevail.”
From outdoor tournaments to college matchups, he stays involved—cheering on old teammates, coaching when he can, and always watching the Blue Jays at Elizabethtown and collegiate programs like LBC.
“Once I get some stability, I’d love to shatter it with the intensity of this sport.”
And a final shoutout?
“To my dad—for pushing me through this sport when I hated it. Hard times don’t last!”
#AlumnioftheWeek | #OncePrevailAlwaysPrevail
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