By Chris Parker
Warsaw volleyball has experienced back-to-back one-win seasons. Head coach Kelsi Brosnahan has the roster capable of improving that record in a big way.
“I am excited to be working with this group of young ladies,” Brosnahan said. “They have really shown me this summer that they are skilled players that want to be the best they can be. Even though our team might be the underdogs, I have a good feeling that they are going to come out stronger than ever this year. I could not be more excited to be the Lady Wildcats coach.”
Returning seniors Ellie Murrell (setter), Ashlyn Laue (middle hitter) and Grace Comer (outside hitter/defensive specialist) will be key leaders.
“These three seniors will make a great impact on the team as leaders,” Brosnahan said.
Murrell only saw action in 15 varsity sets last year after being limited by injury.
“Ellie was out most of the season last year due to an injury but she is back ready to play,” Brosnahan said. “She is our setter and we are really excited to have her back on the court.”
Laue led the Lady Wildcats in kills with 79 as a sophomore.
“Ashlyn is our middle hitter/blocker,” Brosnahan said. “She does a nice job reading the hit and can block a ball pretty well.”
Comer is a strong all-around player for Warsaw.
Junior Angela Konopasek is back after finishing second on the team in kills as a sophomore.
“Angela will also be a key returning player this year as she is a go getter,” Brosnahan said. “Her hitting and passing skills will keep our team in the game.”
Senior Janie Kilgore (defensive specialist) and junior Laney Arnett (setter) will be newcomers to watch for Warsaw.
“Janie is new to our team this year and she is doing an amazing job stepping into the defensive spot,” Brosnahan said. “Laney’s setting skills have improved tremendously and she is a hard worker on the court.”
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Warsaw will also have a large group of freshmen entering the program.
“Our biggest strength for our team this year is our leadership and coachability,” Brosnahan said. “We have a large group of freshmen and our upperclassmen are doing an amazing job setting a good example. Our players are optimistic and have been putting in the hard work this summer to improve. They want to be better than they have been in the past so they have really been taking everything in.”
Brosnahan will have her team focusing on improving on the defensive end this year.
“We need to improve our defense positioning,” Brosnahan said. “We have been working some different plays for defense and the challenge will be reacting quickly to move into our defensive spots. Once we are able to get that down we will be a force to be reckoned with.”
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Warsaw opens the regular season on Aug. 30 at Buffalo.
“My expectations for the team this year is to build their skills and confidence on the court,” Brosnahan said. “For the past few years the team has experienced a different coach, so I want to work on getting consistent and get our community invested in the program. I expect our team to come out and show everyone what the underdogs can do.”
