Emily Banitt Hits 1,000th Kill in Fordham Sweep

For women’s volleyball fourth-year Emily Banitt, volleyball has always been a family affair. Banitt said she was constantly around the sport growing up watching her mom coach her sister’s team and her parents met playing volleyball. 

After four years playing volleyball at Loyola, Banitt earned her 1,000th career kill during the team’s sweep against Fordham University Nov. 3. Her season total currently stands at 241. 

Banitt has been a consistent player for the team throughout her time at Loyola, according to head coach Amanda Berkley. She said she was proud of Banitt for being able to record this milestone. 

“Really proud of her for getting her 1,000th kill,” Berkley said. “I think she’s someone that has really contributed to a lot to our success here at Loyola.”

Banitt said getting to 1,000 career kills was a huge milestone for her. She said it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of every one of her teammates. 

“I’m just really grateful for the opportunity to be here at Loyola and be here with all these girls and just to really reflect and enjoy this moment meant a lot,” Banitt said. “My parents were there, my mom, dad and older sister were there in New York this weekend, and it was really really nice to be able to look over at them and see them there too.” 

Banitt said she first knew she wanted to play volleyball collegiately when her sister committed to play at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin. 

“I wanted to follow in her footsteps, and I always looked up to her,” Banitt said.

When deciding where exactly to continue her own volleyball career, Banitt said Loyola stuck out to her because of the competitiveness Berkley brought to the program after being named head coach in 2017. 

“When she first came here, she flipped the program around and then the following season she had an even better year,” Banitt said. “I wanted to be a part of a very competitive program like that.”

Berkley said competitiveness is also a quality Banitt brings to the team. She said this, along with her high energy, makes her a great teammate to have on the court.

During Banitt’s time at Loyola, Berkley said she has seen her improve as a player and has been able to thrive in a new position. 

“She was actually on the left side position, and I think we moved her to the right side, and we’ve just seen her blossom,” Berkley said. “She’s doing a great job of having a fast arm, getting her feet to the ball and just being a go-to hitter for us.”

Banitt has helped improve the team by being a positive presence both in games and during practice, according to Berkley. She said as a captain, Banitt has shown strong communication skills and holds herself and her teammates accountable, making everyone better as a team. 

Banitt said off the court, the team has really strong relationships with each other, forming a close bond she believes carries onto the court and influences the team’s success. 

“Building those relationships off the court just helps us bond even more on the court, and celebrate those little things and little moments even more, because we all love each other,” Banitt said. “We’re a big family, and everyone’s success is just as meaningful.”

Featured Image by Aidan Cahill | The Loyola Phoenix