By Chris Parker
Three seniors and one junior will lead Warsaw volleyball this season.
A more skilled roster returns for Warsaw in 2023.
“Our biggest strength this year would be the basic skill development that our team has,” Warsaw head coach Kelsi Brosnahan said. “Many of our players have been playing since they were in third grade which has given us a great stepping off point. Having this base to work off of has been super beneficial and helps us sharpen on more specific skills.”
Those leaders include Angela Konopasek (senior outside hitter), Laney Arnett (senior setter), Jaylyn McCullick (senior libero/defensive specialist) and Haylee Cobb (junior outside hitter).
Brosnahan on Konopasek: “She is a returning player that suffered a high ankle sprain after the 2022 jamboree which put her out for six weeks. She is a powerhouse hitter that knows how to work the net. It is amazing to have her back this year fully recovered and ready to play. Her positivity and drive to be a great teammate is contagious.”
Brosnahan on Arnett: “She is a returning setter for varsity this year and is a great communicator and leader on the court. She is able to move the ball around and be a driving force in making plays on the court. Laney has stepped into the leadership role this summer and I know will continue to be the leader we need throughout the season.”
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Brosnahan on McCullick: “She is a returning player that has been a setter and a DS for varsity. This year she will be leading in our defense as our libero. Last year, Jaylyn led second highest in defensive passes trailing behind the number one on our team. She is going to be a dominating factor in our defense this year due to how she can naturally read the hitters.”
Brosnahan on Cobb: “She is a returning player that is moving into a new position on the varsity court. Haylee’s ability to swing on the outside and set up the block gives the team much needed control on the net. Her flexibility and positivity have been paying off in big ways and we are excited to have her in her new role.”
Five sophomores who saw varying amounts of varsity action last season are back including Hailey Ferguson (M), Addison Shirrell (M), Sadie Chapman (OPP), Tanna Howe (OH/DS) and Kaleby Stevenson (S).
“These five are stepping up to full time varsity this year and bringing a fresh look to our team,” Brosnahan said. “These are very dedicated girls that are willing to put in the work to make a cohesive team.”
Warsaw opens the regular season on Aug. 29 at Lincoln with the host Cardinals and Appleton City.
“You can expect our team to come out and play hard,” Brosnahan said. “Our girls have a competitive spirit that really shines through on the court. They are a fun group to watch because they do not back down from a challenge. I expect our team to build off of each other’s strengths and work to keep their competitive drive alive.”
