The girls volleyball team at West Platte is feeling an abundance of energy from the incoming freshman class ahead of a season that promises to be a fun one.
West Platte graduated six senior volleyball players following last season, including all-state outside hitter Arianna Nower. Now, the Blue Jays have welcomed 10 freshmen into the program with renewed enthusiasm.
“We have a lot of youth on the team this season,” head coach Connor Kellerstrass said. “They have brought a fun energy to practice through the first week that has sparked the entire gym.”
Among the freshmen are Nora Meyerkorth and Kendall Dover, who showcased themselves well over the summer. Meyerkorth will set herself apart as the team’s libero with a competitive attitude while Dover is expected to begin the season as the team’s opposite side hitter with a tenacity enjoyed by her teammates.
The Blue Jays return junior all-conference and all-district middle blocker Kaelyn Eades, sophomore setter Amber Rutherford and senior middle blocker Blair McHenry. West Platte’s defense will also benefit from the return of junior outside hitter Catelyn Carlson, who missed last season due to an injury.
Kellerstrass is now in his fifth season and welcomes Alexa Vandel onto his coaching staff as an assistant coach alongside Dana Roe. Kellerstrass has seen his team come to understand the importance of defense, which is something that excites him.
“Early on, it is clear this team understands that every point matters and they fight for every single one,” he said. “We hope to make our opponents earn every point they score.”
The Blue Jays open the season in St. Joseph for the Pony Express Volleyball State Preview tournament on August 29 and 30. After a trip to Lafayette (St. Joseph), the Blue Jays get set for their home opener on Sept. 4 against Northland Christian.
West Platte is hoping the energized start will last for the duration of the season. The journey towards the postseason may have some bumps in the road with a youthful roster, but the Blue Jays hope to have a team capable of competing for the program’s first district title since 2020.
“While there will undoubtedly be some growing pains, we hope to see continuous improvement throughout the season,” Kellerstrass said. “This team is young, feisty and very competitive.”