Helping lead Georgia Tech to some of their best years on the volleyball court, Yellow Jacket star setter Matti McKissock has become a fan favorite for her passion and energy both on and off the court. After finishing up her degree at Georgia Tech and announcing she will be headed to UCLA to play for the Bruins volleyball squad and work on a Master’s, the impact Matti has had continues to be felt throughout the sport.
A Florida native, Matti McKissock always grew up with faith in her life. She says it set the foundation for her as she got older.
After finishing up her high school career at The First Academy, she said her faith was tested as she looked for where to head for the next four years of her life. She says after having a number of doors shut, she found Georgia Tech, which she learned was right where God needed her to be.
“Seeing my story and God’s perfect plan for me has developed my faith a ton and made me so much closer to God because I realize how good and faithful God we serve.”
After enrolling at Georgia Tech, McKissock made an immediate impact, serving as the team’s primary setter during her freshman year and throughout college. Matti says volleyball has given her an opportunity to spread God’s love to others.
“My faith has influenced my career in so many ways. It has made me confident that no matter what happens on the court, I still know God’s love never changes. No matter how I perform on the court I know that I am still viewed the same by God. It helps me play freely and confidently during games.”
That confidence allowed McKissock and the Yellow Jackets to flourish in the 2021 season, where they reached the Elite Eight before falling to the then undefeated and #1 seed Louisvile Cardinals. The imprint that Matti left on Georgia Tech, however, is one that will be forever remembered.
“My faith helps me because God & his word is the one thing that I know is never going to change. His love for me, regardless of my performance, is the same everyday.”
Now engaged to star Georgia Tech football defensive back Tobias Oliver, they both are looking to use their gifts in athletics as an opportunity to touch the lives of others. Matti says her faith is what has grounded them and continues to lead her everywhere that she goes.
“I know His word will remain the same forever and it allows me to live my life built on constant and true values.”
As Matti prepares for what her future will bring across the country at UCLA, her goals remain the same. With a contagious smile and heart for the game, she has inspired so many to pursue their dreams and leave a positive impact on everyone they interact with. As she also awaits the future of Tobias, who entered the upcoming 2022 NFL draft, they are both confident and grounded in faith and trust that God will lead them right to where they need to be, with an opportunity to love and inspire others.
