By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Kickapoo volleyball team achieved remarkable success over the past two seasons, but it’s time for new legacies to be made.
The 2024 Volleychiefs are ready to embrace that challenge and carry on the program’s rich tradition.
“Our newcomers to varsity aren’t newcomers to Kickapoo Volleyball. They respect what came before them and are ready to put on those jerseys,” said Kickapoo coach Marci Adams.
Kickapoo, which returns just two players with varsity experience, will have a new-look lineup this fall.
Hannah Gardner, a 5’10” setter, can do just about everything on the court. She was second on the team in kills (304), second in blocks (74), fifth in digs (215) and second in assists (466) last season.
“Her athleticism and height allow her to play in a high space above the net,” Adams said. “She can make some impressive plays on the second contact. But what’s even more impressive is the impact she makes by seeing the game at an elite level. She knows our side and the opponent’s side and is a game changer in the most unobvious ways.”
Gardner, who earned all-state honors in Class 5, has committed to play at Missouri State next school year. This fall, she’ll try to get Kickapoo’s new attackers up to speed at the varsity level.
“Her communication and decision-making will be key,” Adams said. “She’s also a high-energy player with a big focus on fun.”
Hannah Williams (OH) is a senior with positional versatility. She had 86 kills in limited varsity action last season and is primed for a big jump in production this fall with a six-rotation role.
“In addition to her strong front row play, we’ll likely lean on her to be a primary passer and defender on the back row,” Adams said. “This is new for her but something she’s been focusing on, and she is up for the challenge.”
For a young Kickapoo team, Williams’ leadership skills are invaluable.
“Possibly even more important than her play, Hannah is extremely inclusive and encouraging,” Adams said. “Ask our younger players and they’ll say she makes them feel welcomed and important. We are excited to see her leadership shine!”
Several players from last season’s JV squad will elevate to the varsity level.
Abie Baltz (OH), Addyson Steury (DS/OH) and Sierra Strawn (S/RS) round out Kickapoo’s expected senior class.
Baltz brings a “contagious” energy to the court and will give the Volleychiefs a reliable hitter in the front row.
“You’ll likely never see this kid without a smile on her face. She loves this game and it’s evident,” Adams said.
Steury is hungry to see the floor once again after suffering a knee injury back in the spring of her sophomore year.
“She has worked to get herself back in volleyball shape,” Adams said. “She has a good platform, and we’ll look for her to contribute in serve receive and defense.”
Strawn has made tremendous strides during her time in the program and will have a role in multiple spots.
“She can set or play right back defense, or switch between the two quickly and smoothly,” Adams said. “She’s also worked to put herself in a position to take some swings. And watch out for her serve: it’s a good one.”
In the junior class, Kickapoo features Payten Coulter (DS), Abby Ferguson (MB) and Ashtyn Rojas (MB).
Coulter is one of the best athletes on the team. She qualified for the Class 5 100-meter dash at state track last spring and is eager to apply her athleticism on the volleyball court.
“We look for her to use that athleticism and continue to make strides in her ability to cover a lot of ground on defense,” Adams said. “She’s locked in when it comes to training and she’s excited to increase her consistency across the board.”
Ferguson had a strong offseason and is one of the team’s most improved players from a year ago.
“She’s made huge strides in her ability to score and be dynamic,” Adams said. “She adds physicality to our roster and is ready to step in and make an impact.”
Rojas mostly played in the middle for Kickapoo’s JV, but may expand her front row role in 2024.
“She has a natural knack for blocking and has worked to increase her power on hitting,” Adams said.
Chloe Sargent (MB) and Molly Doennig (OH) lead Kickapoo’s sophomore class.
“Chloe has a big presence at the net and is very competitive,” Adams said. “Put those two things together and it’s a recipe for a great sophomore season. She can contribute to scoring and sets up a great first line of defense with her blocking.”
Doennig is a powerful hitter who may also play in the back row at times.
“She’s working on her range and consistency as she is likely to take swings on the outside, which tends to be a higher volume,” Adams said. “She’s also put herself in position to get some defense opportunities.”
Riley Fessenden is another new name to watch from last season’s JV squad.
“Riley’s ball control allows her to set and hit with consistency,” Adams said. “She rarely makes errors and has a great serve.”
As Kickapoo reshuffles its lineup, roles and playing time could change depending on the opponent.
“A strength for us will be a solid distribution at the net with all hitters ready to contribute,” Adams said. “We have multiple personnel options at each position. If you aren’t a starter in Set 1 you might be in Set 2. Whatever your role, your job is to always be geared up to impact the game.”
Kickapoo finished 34-6 overall last season and reached the Class 5 state final four. The Lady Chiefs topped Ozark in the Class 5 District 6 Tournament finals to win their second straight district title.
Kickapoo followed that up with a sweep of Blue Springs South in the quarterfinals to make it back to Cape Girardeau. The Lady Chiefs finished fourth in Class 5.
Nearly all of that final four core has graduated.
Kickapoo must replace a superb, 11-player senior class.
Bella Faria (OH/DS, Arizona State) and Kya Johnson (L/DS, Missouri State) were all-state players who are now continuing their careers for Division I programs.
Faria led Kickapoo in kills (339) and was second in digs (440). Johnson, Kickapoo’s all-time digs leader, had a team-high 593 digs in her senior season.
Jenna Perryman (MB), Claire Doennig (MB), Emma Eaton (DS), Reagan Greenway (S) and Parker Papa (OH) were all multi-year starters on Kickapoo’s varsity squad.
Doennig had 251 kills and a team-high 125 blocks. Greenway led the team in assists (686) and aces (61).
Kickapoo also graduated key role players in Lilly Maupin, Alex Clawson, Jaylie Smith and Kylie Every.
Kickapoo’s 2024 senior class will go down as one of the best in program history. Over the last two seasons, Kickapoo won 65 games and appeared in two final fours.
The two-year stretch was no fluke – the Volleychiefs have won at least 20 games each season since 2015. To hit that benchmark again this fall, they’ll need several first-year varsity players to step up.
“We recognize the importance of team chemistry, and this year will be no different,” Adams said. “Good things happen on the scoreboard when the team pours into each other and rises together. The more we can mesh our ages, skill levels, personalities, experience and roles, the better we will be on the court.”
Additional newcomers include sophomores Brookelynn Duree and Adi Bratcher.
“Both had a great summer season and have shown a lot of growth in our program,” Adams said.
Kickapoo’s rookie class is already making a strong impression.
Brittain Smith (DS), Mila Asay (OH/DS) and Adyson Kineman (MB) are among the early freshmen standouts who may see the varsity floor.
“They play at a high level and with a lot of passion,” Adams said.
Kickapoo opens the regular season Aug. 31 at the Bentonville (Ark.) Invitational.
The Volleychiefs will also compete in the newly merged Central Ozark Conference (COC).
“We will emphasize the small wins and be committed to the process of improving our areas of weakness,” Adams said. “This will put us in position to be a strong contender in the postseason.”
