On today’s episode of (Y) Connect, we’re joined by someone who’s already making waves on the national stage while still just beginning her high school journey. At only 14 years old, Kari Knotts has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in U.S. volleyball.

Kari is a freshman at The Lovett School, a proud member of the Northeast Cobb Family YMCA, and a fierce competitor for A5 Volleyball Club. She recently became the youngest member of the U19 USA National Volleyball Team, where she was named both MVP and Best Spiker at the Pan-American Cup.

From her start at the YMCA to winning MVP on the international stage, Kari Knotts joins us to share her inspiring volleyball journey.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Allsion and Robert welcome today’s guest
• (02:21) Kari shares her first memories of playing volleyball at the YMCA and becoming the youngest member of Team USA U19
• (04:19) The moment Kari was selected for Team USA and the demanding schedule required to balance her commitments
• (06:34) Finding motivation through faith, family support, and joy for the sport
• (07:22) Lessons from volleyball: discipline, teamwork, and communication
• (08:17) Staying grounded in humility by being thankful to God for his blessing
• (08:48) Kari shares future goals: the Olympics, pursuing college and maintaining a passion for sports
• (10:50) Kari expresses gratitude to teammates and coaches, and she advises children interested in volleyball

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Starting at the YMCA, Kari built strong fundamentals in volleyball and showed how community support can spark lifelong inspiration.
• Balancing training, high school, and national competition requires discipline, motivation, and support from family, teammates and coaches.
• Staying grounded in humility while chasing big future goals—including dreams of the Olympics—keeps this young athlete focused and grateful.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

BIOGRAPHY:

Kari Knotts is a 14-year-old standout athlete and proud member of the Northeast Cobb Family YMCA. A freshman at The Lovett School (Class of 2029), Kari has already built an impressive volleyball résumé. Standing 6’3” with a 10’9” approach, she competes with A5 Volleyball Club on the elite 16-1 Gabe’s team as an outside hitter.

Kari recently made history as the youngest member of the U19 USA National Volleyball Team, earning both MVP and Best Spiker honors at the 2025 U19 Pan-American Cup in Canada. She is also part of the National Training and Development Program, designed to prepare high-potential athletes for international competition.

Her teams have captured multiple national titles—including two USAV National Championships, three AAU National Championships, and two Triple Crown titles—with Kari securing MVP honors at 12U, 13U, and 14U. Despite her many accomplishments, she remains grounded, crediting her YMCA beginnings for shaping her love of the game and community.