The girls volleyball program at North Platte has had quite a bit of turnover the past two years — graduating nine starters and 13 overall players the past two years — but four varsity returners will play a pivotal role in leading the program forward.
The senior trio of Leala Day, Kate Barnes and Elizabeth Archer will join junior Rylee Perkins in providing experience and leadership to a program that will welcome additional talent to play varsity on a full-time basis while others will break into the varsity team for the first time.
Day is an experienced libero, but showed her versatility last year by playing some at setter and right-side hitter to fill the team’s needs. Barnes and Archer bring balance and consistency to the team while Perkins brings court awareness to the front and back rows.
“I don’t believe rebuilding has to mean low expectations,” head coach Summer Richardson said. “This group brings a strong foundation of volleyball knowledge, along with a lot of heart, hustle, and a hunger to improve. I’m excited to get back to work with them and start chasing the goals we’ve set for the season.”
Richardson enters her third year leading the Panthers, joined by Elisha Carlson in her first year as assistant coach. Richardson has seen a great response from the players to Carlson’s addition, bringing knowledge and experience to the team.
“This season will absolutely be about determination, growth, grit, and laying the groundwork for future success,” Richardson said. “I’m excited to see how far they come as individual athletes and how much we grow as a team.”
North Platte will also introduce a new uniform into their existing rotation. The Panthers begin the season away from home before hosting the KCI Conference Volleyball Tournament on Sept. 6 in Dearborn.
“In many ways, it feels like starting fresh, and this group promises to be both exciting and fun to watch,” Richardson said.