Mom (Kristie) and Dad (Christopher) met while playing indoor beach volleyball at Hot Shots in Rochester. The former played collegiately at D’Youville and the latter at the University of Buffalo.
So, it was only natural that their offspring would continue playing the sport. Senior Jaycee Karelus and sophomore Camryn are in their final season playing competitive volleyball together for Roberts Wesleyan.
“I think it’s really awesome; we played together in high school and it’s so fun to play together and such a privilege,” Camryn said. “Everyone in the family – even my brother (Lucas) plays and has played volleyball.”
“It’s been amazing, being able to have that connection that I believe no other players can have on the court with her…and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Jaycee said.
Jaycee began her collegiate career at her mother’s alma mater, D’Youville, for two seasons but transferred to Roberts Wesleyan before last season.
“I was playing, I was starting, and I had a really great time. The coaching staff is amazing, and I have the utmost respect for the entire program,” Jaycee said. “(But) I got homesick, and I missed my family and saw the opportunity to save a lot of money staying at home, and I got to play with my sister, my best friend, for the last two years of my career, which was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up.”
They were previously teammates at Churchville-Chili, helping the girls volleyball team win their first Section V championship in 2021 as Jaycee earned All-Tournament Team honors and Camryn First Team All-County.
“The first time that we won for sure and the second time (is a favorite memory), but I feel like the first time is the most memorable just because we had never won before, it was Covid so there was barely anybody there…it was such a tight game and it was really good to pull out that win,” Camryn said.
Both are now playing a leading role offensively and defensively in helping the Redhawks to a 10-7 start to the season. They stand third and fourth on the team in kills while second and fifth in blocks.
In a recent match against Daemen, they led the offense with 12 kills each and combined for three blocks.
“Because we play side-by-side, especially with blocking, it’s just the connection that we have and when we work together, we can create a wall on those blocks,” Jaycee said. “Kind of gives us a leg up on other players.”
And they are trying to help Roberts Wesleyan to its first above .500 season since 2014.
“We try our best to be the loudest and energetic all the time as much as we can be. We’re both powerful hitters and we like to show that when we can when we have the chance,” Camryn concluded.
“As you can see on the court, those girls bring a ton of energy,” Redhawks head coach Andy Braun said. “When they’re on the court and when they’re off on the sideline, they are super-positive, and they bring energy to our team. And they’re great kids, they care about their teammates and it’s fun coaching them.”
