While the Park Hill volleyball team ended its 2021 season with a losing record, it brought home its third district title in the last four years.
With growing pains throughout the year, the Lady Trojans scraped together an impressive postseason run as they reached the Class 5 State Semifinals. Although Park Hill will have many familiar faces this fall, it’s a new year with new possibilities.
“We will always look forward and focus on this team and the girls who want to be there,” Park Hill head volleyball coach Lindsey Hood said. “Sure, it’s great to have that district title, but each year is new and we want to coach what we have this season and build them up to the potential to get there again in 2023.”
Park Hill will have five seniors, three of whom brought home postseason awards in their junior campaigns. Setter Emily Pella, along with outside hitters Shaye Koski and Devin Hoover, will be the Lady Trojans’ centerpieces this fall.
Park Hill’s Reganne Reed, above, is one of five Lady Trojan seniors in 2022.
Koski made the All-Conference and All-District First Teams, while Hoover was a Kansas City Suburban Conference Gold Division Honorable Mention and selected to the All-District Second Team. Pella was also on the second team in the Class 5 District 16 Tournament.
“Most of the players on the court have varsity experience, but there will likely be new faces. We will rely on those varsity returners to help show them the way and build on the foundation they have already built,” Hood said.
Reganne Reed and Sydney Stanfield will fill out the senior class along with junior libero Emily Watson and Katelynn Young. Boston Wand, who is a sophomore middle blocker, will be fighting for some playing time as well.
“As odd as it might sound, I plan on slowing things down this season. As a staff, we are about developing the whole person and not just developing the volleyball skills. We are hoping to work on more of the mental game,” Hood said.