A Monkton teen died while playing volleyball during her first week at Mount St. Mary's University Wednesday, the school reports.

Catherine "Catie" Carnes, 18, collapsed while playing volleyball, according to a statement from the school's President Thomas H. Powell. She was transported to Gettysburg Hospital where she passed away.

Before attending school in Emmitsburg, Carnes graduated from the McDonogh School in May, according to a statement on the school's website. She attended the school since kindergarten. "She loved life, friends, volleyball, and horseback riding," the statement said.

"Catie was upbeat, kind, compassionate, and dear to many in our community, and we are devastated by this news," said Headmaster Charlie Britton in a statement. "Our focus right now is to support and comfort one another through this tragedy. Our hearts go out to the Carnes family during this very difficult time."

A Facebook group in Carnes' memory was started by a fellow Mount St. Mary's student, which said "I Never Knew You, But as a fellow freshman, I saw you as family, I hope this is a lesson to us all, life is short and not guaranteed, we can leave anytime RIP CATHERINE. Condolences to your Friends & Family."

jkanderson@baltsun.com