Krous Named OAC July Scholar-Athlete of the Month
July 14, 2026
Muskingum University senior volleyball standout Mackenzie Krous has been named the Ohio Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Month for July, recognizing her exceptional achievements in the classroom and on the court throughout her Muskie career.
A native of Galena, Ohio, Krous has emerged as one of the Ohio Athletic Conference's premier scholar-athletes while pursuing a degree in Pre-Medicine at Muskingum. Krous made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign in 2023, earning OAC Newcomer of the Year honors after becoming the first Muskingum volleyball student-athlete to receive the award since its inception in 1999. She also garnered Second Team All-OAC recognition.
Following her breakthrough season, Krous continued to excel as a sophomore in 2024. She once again earned Second Team All-OAC honors while being recognized for her success in the classroom with Academic All-OAC and CSC Academic All-District accolades. She averaged 3.30 kills per set and 3.67 digs per set, establishing herself as one of the conference's top six-rotation players.
As a junior in 2025, Krous elevated her performance even further. She was honored with First Team All-OAC and AVCA Honorable Mention All-Region 7 accolades with repeat recognition as a CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-OAC selection. On the court, she averaged 3.36 kills per set (ranked third in the OAC) and 4.00 digs per set (ranked eighth in the OAC), continuing her role as a leader in the Muskingum lineup and one of the OAC's most productive outside hitters.
"Mackenzie is one of the hardest-working people I know. Her success on the volleyball court is a direct reflection of the countless hours she dedicates to training and improving her craft," said Muskingum Head Coach Taylour Huey. "At the same time, maintaining a 3.9 GPA as a Pre-Med student speaks volumes about her discipline, commitment, and dedication to her future. Mackenzie exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete, and I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to coach her throughout her journey at Muskingum."
In addition to her conference honors, Krous was selected as the recipient of Muskingum's William F. Lang Outstanding Freshman Award following her first year on campus and was honored with the Ann White Strive for Excellence Award her junior year, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the athletic department.
Beyond her accomplishments in the classroom and on the court, Krous has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and service. She helped organize a bake sale benefiting Special Olympics and participated in Muskingum's Special Olympics Polar Plunge fundraiser. Krous was also actively involved in the New Concord Area Arts and Recreation District's "3-Point Thursday" programs at Larry Miller Intermediate School and New Concord Elementary and volunteered at Beckett House Healthcare & Rehabilitation, where she helped organize activities for residents and delivered Valentine's Day cards.
Krous' commitment to serving others extended well beyond campus. She assisted with planting memorial Christmas trees at Genesis Hospital to honor loved ones who had passed away and volunteered at the hospital by delivering books to patients and providing hospitality services to patients and visitors. She also participated in the Adopt-a-Child Christmas program, helping bring holiday joy to local children and families in need.
She has also been a leader in youth engagement, helping organize and instruct at numerous volleyball camps and clinics both on Muskingum's campus and at John Glenn High School. Additionally, Krous and the volleyball program hosted Youth Night and One Love matches, assisted with National Girls and Women in Sports Day activities, participated in High-Five Friday events at Larry Miller Intermediate School alongside the Muskingum football team, and consistently supported fellow Muskie athletic programs through a variety of athletic pride events and campus initiatives.
The OAC Scholar-Athlete of the Month award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.
Following her breakthrough season, Krous continued to excel as a sophomore in 2024. She once again earned Second Team All-OAC honors while being recognized for her success in the classroom with Academic All-OAC and CSC Academic All-District accolades. She averaged 3.30 kills per set and 3.67 digs per set, establishing herself as one of the conference's top six-rotation players.
As a junior in 2025, Krous elevated her performance even further. She was honored with First Team All-OAC and AVCA Honorable Mention All-Region 7 accolades with repeat recognition as a CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-OAC selection. On the court, she averaged 3.36 kills per set (ranked third in the OAC) and 4.00 digs per set (ranked eighth in the OAC), continuing her role as a leader in the Muskingum lineup and one of the OAC's most productive outside hitters.
"Mackenzie is one of the hardest-working people I know. Her success on the volleyball court is a direct reflection of the countless hours she dedicates to training and improving her craft," said Muskingum Head Coach Taylour Huey. "At the same time, maintaining a 3.9 GPA as a Pre-Med student speaks volumes about her discipline, commitment, and dedication to her future. Mackenzie exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete, and I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to coach her throughout her journey at Muskingum."
In addition to her conference honors, Krous was selected as the recipient of Muskingum's William F. Lang Outstanding Freshman Award following her first year on campus and was honored with the Ann White Strive for Excellence Award her junior year, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the athletic department.
Beyond her accomplishments in the classroom and on the court, Krous has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and service. She helped organize a bake sale benefiting Special Olympics and participated in Muskingum's Special Olympics Polar Plunge fundraiser. Krous was also actively involved in the New Concord Area Arts and Recreation District's "3-Point Thursday" programs at Larry Miller Intermediate School and New Concord Elementary and volunteered at Beckett House Healthcare & Rehabilitation, where she helped organize activities for residents and delivered Valentine's Day cards.
Krous' commitment to serving others extended well beyond campus. She assisted with planting memorial Christmas trees at Genesis Hospital to honor loved ones who had passed away and volunteered at the hospital by delivering books to patients and providing hospitality services to patients and visitors. She also participated in the Adopt-a-Child Christmas program, helping bring holiday joy to local children and families in need.
She has also been a leader in youth engagement, helping organize and instruct at numerous volleyball camps and clinics both on Muskingum's campus and at John Glenn High School. Additionally, Krous and the volleyball program hosted Youth Night and One Love matches, assisted with National Girls and Women in Sports Day activities, participated in High-Five Friday events at Larry Miller Intermediate School alongside the Muskingum football team, and consistently supported fellow Muskie athletic programs through a variety of athletic pride events and campus initiatives.
The OAC Scholar-Athlete of the Month award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.