With three amazing seniors gone and this year’s upperclassmen starting high school in the midst of the COVID pandemic, the student body was curious as to how the 2023 volleyball season would go. Last year’s team taking 5th in state left this year’s team with a legacy to look after.Luckily, the team has proven more than capable to overcome adversity as the team is currently undefeated.
Varsity started their year with a preseason tournament in Hutchinson. The team won all five games and took first place. The team then had their first home games against Valley Center and Wichita Heights last Thursday. The student section was in the stands equipped with neon gear ready to greet the start of the season in good spirits. Varsity won both games in a landslide, leaving fans encouraged for future games.
“Our first home games went very well! We had an awesome turnout in the student section and the extra noise is always a game changer!” senior Paighton Crumley said.
Head volleyball coach Kayla Weidert has decided to take a different approach to her coaching this year. She has decided to shift the majority of her focus on team bonding and mental health. For the team this includes: progressive dinners, sports psychology videos, pool parties and lots of time together.
“I enjoy the emphasis on team bonding.I think it is very important for the overall success of the season,” Crumley said.
Both varsity and JV play at home this Thursday against Maize and Newton. We can’t wait to see what comes next for this team!