Avery Holmes will be a crucial piece for West Platte this season.
Entering year three of the Connor Kellerstrass era, the West Platte volleyball team is fighting for its first district title in that timeframe after being the runner-up in the last two years.
The Lady Blue Jays will be looking to their seniors with three of the four starters and two of the three reserves that are returning from last fall being in that class. Junior outside hitter Arianna Nower is the youngest returning starter.
“Arianna is a returning all-state outside hitter, defenses will primarily be focused on slowing her down,” Kellerstrass said. “This will hopefully open up our other attackers. Klaira Groom has had a great summer so far and looks to be another offensive threat. After that, we will be looking to see who steps up in the early part of the season.”
Setter Maddison McMillan and libero Avery Holmes will join Groom, who is a middle blocker, as the returning starters. Outside hitters Kaitlyn Reinke and Gracie Carlson, along with middle blocker Blair McHenry, were in the rotation in 2022 and are aiming to gain more minutes in 2023.
“The girls had an excellent summer competing in both the Atchison league and at KU Camp against stout competition. We’re excited to return four starters and are still waiting to see who steps in to fill the shoes of our graduated seniors,” Kellerstrass said.
West Platte hasn’t had a losing season in well over a decade, posting a 33-23-5 record since Kellerstrass has taken over. The Lady Blue Jays have fought their way to a district championship match each year under Kellerstrass, falling to East Buchanan both times.
“Consistency will be the key for this team to make a run. Consistently communicating at a high level, consistently being aggressive, consistently making smart decisions and consistently maintaining positive energy on the floor will be hugely important. Making sure the team focuses on one point at a time will lead to more team success,” Kellerstrass said.
West Platte will have some younger players who haven’t had exposure to the varsity level looking to contribute this fall. Senior defensive specialist Makayla Wolters, junior defensive specialist Mara McGregor and sophomore Anastyn Eades will be competing for time on the floor.