University Southern California Trojans
Photo by: John McGillen
Get to Know: Milly McGee
August 14, 2026 | Women's Volleyball
USC's freshman setter may be a selective eater, but she knows exactly what she wants—in food, volleyball, and her dream school
The USC women's volleyball team welcomes seven newcomers to the floor this fall. Get to know the six freshmen and transfer setter in a series of get-to-know features here on USCTrojans.com. Freshman setter Milly McGee (Manhattan Beach, Calif./Mira Costa HS) is seizing every moment at her dream school.
Get to know Milly McGee!
When did you arrive at USC, and how have you liked it so far?
I got here on June 14, about three days after graduation. I've loved it so far. I grew up in the South Bay, so USC has always been a big dream of mine. Being here feels surreal and it has been so much fun.
What surprised you the most about being here at USC?
The intensity of the training, especially lifting, surprised me. It can be a lot on your body, and I didn't expect it to be as difficult as it is—but nonetheless it has been a good surprise. It pushes me to be the best I can!
What made you choose USC?
Growing up, USC was always the dream. I committed during my sophomore year of high school. I wanted to stay close to home and be in California because I don't think I could ever leave. The weather, the beach, and the ocean are all huge parts of my life. I love surfing and I grew up being in the ocean as much as I could be.
How would you describe the team's culture so far?
Amazing! The girls are so welcoming, fun, and inclusive. Ever since the first day I've been here, I just feel like a part of the family, and being part of this team has been so special.
When did you realize you wanted to play volleyball at a higher level, and when did you realize you could?
I was around 14 when I realized I could actually do it, but I also understood that I would have to work hard. It suddenly felt like everything was happening soon, so I knew I had to start working for it.
Does volleyball run in your family? Did you play any other sports growing up?
Yeah, my parents both play volleyball. My dad played in college and volleyball has always been part of our family. I played recreational basketball and soccer, and I, of course, surf.
What's one word your new teammates will choose to describe you?
Silly. I'm also more of a Type B personality.
If you had to introduce yourself to me without mentioning volleyball, how would you do it?
I'm a very picky eater, which has become a big joke on the team. I love being outside and spending time in the sun, and I'm very spontaneous.
What's been your favorite moment with the team so far?
I would probably say when we went to Palm Springs for our team retreat trip, like for the weekend. That was super fun. I think that was the first week I was here and it was so much fun getting to spend that time together.
What's your pregame ritual?
Always playing music. I don't really have a huge ritual; I just kind of do my hair—maybe a slick back sometimes if I'm feeling it. I love the saying, "Look good, feel good!" I also like eating a lot before matches and stuff.
What are some of your favorite foods?
Because I'm such a picky eater, I keep it basic: pasta, mac and cheese, and rice. Riley Malloy and I recently went to Bacari, which was really good.
If you were in charge of the aux, what would you play?
Noah Kahan is my favorite artist ever! Right now, I would probably play The Great Divide or Northern Attitude. Riley Malloy and I are going to see him on August 15. I also love Taylor Swift.
What is on your Los Angeles bucket list?
Since I grew up here, I've already done a lot of classic Los Angeles activities. But one day, all the freshmen were going to get ice cream at Salt & Straw, and there was a tattoo shop across the street. I spontaneously decided I wanted a tattoo, so I got a sun on my ankle. There isn't a deep meaning behind it—I'm just an outdoors, sun and beach girl.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Don't take anything too seriously and just have fun. I always say, "You only live once." Carpe diem—seize the day—is my thing.
Who on the team do you look up to the most?
Oh! Adonia Faumuina or Taylor Deckert. Mine and Adonia's lockers are right next to each other and she's very inclusive. And I'm also her pepper partner. And obviously, Addison Townsend.
Who on the team makes you laugh the most?
Addison Townsend and Riley Malloy, for sure.
Who's most likely to forget something before practice?
Probably me, I always forget something before practice. Oh yeah, I always forget my stuff.
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?
I'd either want to go back, be able to go, and relive any moment in time. Or I would like to be able to read people's minds, oh—or super hearing—or flying. There's so many, there's so many choices! I can't choose.
What are you most looking forward to in the fall?
I'm really excited for just the season to start and traveling with the team, honestly all of it. Something specific is that I'm also really excited for the Wisconsin match here because two of my best friends growing up, Audrey Flanagan and Charlie Fuerbringer, are there. Charlie is like family to me and then Audrey's been one of my best friends, and we've been on the same volleyball team since we were 12 and have been best friends since then. So playing against them here will just be really special moment to me.
Get to know Milly McGee!
When did you arrive at USC, and how have you liked it so far?
I got here on June 14, about three days after graduation. I've loved it so far. I grew up in the South Bay, so USC has always been a big dream of mine. Being here feels surreal and it has been so much fun.
What surprised you the most about being here at USC?
The intensity of the training, especially lifting, surprised me. It can be a lot on your body, and I didn't expect it to be as difficult as it is—but nonetheless it has been a good surprise. It pushes me to be the best I can!
What made you choose USC?
Growing up, USC was always the dream. I committed during my sophomore year of high school. I wanted to stay close to home and be in California because I don't think I could ever leave. The weather, the beach, and the ocean are all huge parts of my life. I love surfing and I grew up being in the ocean as much as I could be.
How would you describe the team's culture so far?
Amazing! The girls are so welcoming, fun, and inclusive. Ever since the first day I've been here, I just feel like a part of the family, and being part of this team has been so special.
When did you realize you wanted to play volleyball at a higher level, and when did you realize you could?
I was around 14 when I realized I could actually do it, but I also understood that I would have to work hard. It suddenly felt like everything was happening soon, so I knew I had to start working for it.
Does volleyball run in your family? Did you play any other sports growing up?
Yeah, my parents both play volleyball. My dad played in college and volleyball has always been part of our family. I played recreational basketball and soccer, and I, of course, surf.
What's one word your new teammates will choose to describe you?
Silly. I'm also more of a Type B personality.
If you had to introduce yourself to me without mentioning volleyball, how would you do it?
I'm a very picky eater, which has become a big joke on the team. I love being outside and spending time in the sun, and I'm very spontaneous.
What's been your favorite moment with the team so far?
I would probably say when we went to Palm Springs for our team retreat trip, like for the weekend. That was super fun. I think that was the first week I was here and it was so much fun getting to spend that time together.
What's your pregame ritual?
Always playing music. I don't really have a huge ritual; I just kind of do my hair—maybe a slick back sometimes if I'm feeling it. I love the saying, "Look good, feel good!" I also like eating a lot before matches and stuff.
What are some of your favorite foods?
Because I'm such a picky eater, I keep it basic: pasta, mac and cheese, and rice. Riley Malloy and I recently went to Bacari, which was really good.
If you were in charge of the aux, what would you play?
Noah Kahan is my favorite artist ever! Right now, I would probably play The Great Divide or Northern Attitude. Riley Malloy and I are going to see him on August 15. I also love Taylor Swift.
What is on your Los Angeles bucket list?
Since I grew up here, I've already done a lot of classic Los Angeles activities. But one day, all the freshmen were going to get ice cream at Salt & Straw, and there was a tattoo shop across the street. I spontaneously decided I wanted a tattoo, so I got a sun on my ankle. There isn't a deep meaning behind it—I'm just an outdoors, sun and beach girl.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Don't take anything too seriously and just have fun. I always say, "You only live once." Carpe diem—seize the day—is my thing.
Who on the team do you look up to the most?
Oh! Adonia Faumuina or Taylor Deckert. Mine and Adonia's lockers are right next to each other and she's very inclusive. And I'm also her pepper partner. And obviously, Addison Townsend.
Who on the team makes you laugh the most?
Addison Townsend and Riley Malloy, for sure.
Who's most likely to forget something before practice?
Probably me, I always forget something before practice. Oh yeah, I always forget my stuff.
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?
I'd either want to go back, be able to go, and relive any moment in time. Or I would like to be able to read people's minds, oh—or super hearing—or flying. There's so many, there's so many choices! I can't choose.
What are you most looking forward to in the fall?
I'm really excited for just the season to start and traveling with the team, honestly all of it. Something specific is that I'm also really excited for the Wisconsin match here because two of my best friends growing up, Audrey Flanagan and Charlie Fuerbringer, are there. Charlie is like family to me and then Audrey's been one of my best friends, and we've been on the same volleyball team since we were 12 and have been best friends since then. So playing against them here will just be really special moment to me.
Players Mentioned
L/DS
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
L/DS
/ Women's VolleyballMonday, August 03
Monday, August 03
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Friday, December 05
