The three-peat district champion Platte County girls volleyball team enters the 2025 season with plans of another deep postseason run.
The Pirates return to the court this year hoping to improve from their fourth-place finish at state last year, but they will have to recalibrate some offensive firepower to earn a trip to the Final Four in St. Joseph.
“The volleyball program has had some tremendous success these last few seasons and we hope to continue with that success,” Platte County head coach Katlyn Donovan said. “I think every year brings on new challenges and different ways to define success for each team.”
Platte County has won four district championships and made three trips to the Final Four in the previous five seasons, but has yet to make an appearance in the state championship. The Pirates now dream of a fourth consecutive district title, which would set the stage for another deep postseason run.
Donovan wants her team to remain focused with a team-first attitude and continue to build throughout the season, regardless of whether the results on the court replicate those of previous seasons or not.
While the Pirates lost a trio of all-district stars to graduation, including all-state selection Karlee Riggs, they do return all-state libero Gia DeRose, four additional all-district players and a cast of adequate athletes. Donovan likes the talent and experience on her roster, which will provide some versatility early in the season.
“It will take some time to figure out where athletes fit into the right pieces to give us the best chance to win,” Donovan said. “I think we have hungry athletes who want to continue with the success we have had in previous years.”
DeRose is joined by a well-decorated senior class that includes setter and right side hitter Carissa Bacon, outside hitter Malin Cole and middle hitter Emma Macaluso while Miah Omoike returns for her sophomore season in the middle and outside. There are some additional upperclassmen who could have an impact, as well as sophomore setter Ella Cruce.
“From what we have seen this summer, we are not lacking a lot of volleyball-specific skills but just need to continue building trust in our teammates,” Donovan said.
The Pirates’ season begins with a tournament in Nebraska on Aug. 30 before opening the home slate at Pirate Fieldhouse on Sept. 2 with a conference showdown against Ruskin.