Having to replace the Evelyn Gates Award winner is a tough task and that’s exactly what the Park Hill volleyball team is going to have to do.
Park Hill sophomore Parker Kimball is looking to have a larger role in 2022.
For the last four years, Shaye Koski has been a starter for Park Hill and was chosen as the best volleyball player in all of Kansas City in her senior year. While she will be tough to replace, the Lady Trojans’ younger players are up for the challenge.
“Shaye set a great example for the sophomores in the program who looked to her for guidance,” Park Hill volleyball coach Lindsey Hood said. “They all have a unique leadership skill set so watching that come out this summer has been fun. We also talk about anyone can be a leader; it’s not just one person and where from the public eye it might have appeared to be Shaye, each girl on the court and bench play a vital role.”
Senior libero Emily Watson has started for Park Hill the last two years and junior middle blocker Boston Wand is going into her third straight season as a starter. Defensive specialist Mila Karadjova, setter Emily Jones and outside hitter Sedona Scrivo will fill out the senior class.
“We are a young team with four solid seniors with great leadership qualities, with each senior bringing something unique to the table. This team will be more reflective of teams in years past where you will see great defense, athletic plays and a focus on ball control,” Hood said.
Sophomores Ava Daneff and Parker Kimball were assets last fall and that doesn’t appear to be changing in 2023. Park Hill will have some young depth competing to get into the rotation.
“Ava Daneff had a great summer and Addy Staples showed great ball control. Emme Sweet stepped up at Team Camp and showed she could take care of business on the OS as well. Our sophomore pin blockers, Parker Kimball and Kennedy Altic, are both adjusting to new positions and are taking on the challenge as well,” Hood said.