BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtrribune,com

LARNED — Larned volleyball coach Amy Simmons is the third head coach for the Indian seniors.

"That's a lot of transition for young girls," Simmons said. "I'm hopeful the familiarity of our coaches will benefit the players. Our program is still in the developmental stages." 

Middle hitter Kaylee Hagerman and setter Madison Wood are 2-year starters. Sophomores Brooke Simmons and Maya Wilson gained varsity experience last year. Junior Iowa transfer Erin Stuchlick will contribute defense on the back row. 

"We expect big things from our lead attacker, Kaylee Hagerman," Simmons said. "We're working on being a strong serving team. Brooke Simmons served 93% last year." 

Simmons said a trio of younger Indians Jadyn Crosby, Cammy Upson, and Cara Herbert offer height and athletic ability to compliment the varsity veterans.

The Indians saw signs of improvement with closer scores and higher quality play.

"We work on basic fundamentals and knowledge of the game," Simmons said. "We need experience and consistency. We've showed a stronger level of intensity. I'm hopeful as we continue to develop, we'll increase our confidence."

Simmons sees some potential.

"We have athleticism, as multiple girls are multisport athletes," she said. "We've made conditioning a bigger focus. I'm excited to see our numbers.  Our middle school program has 30 girls, with 13 being eighth graders."  

Larned’s volleyball team is 11-126 stretch after 4-29, 3-32, 2-34 and 2-31 records the past four seasons. The Indians defeated Hill City, Stafford, Udall and Fairfield in 2023.

"We want to be more competitive," Simmons said. "I'd love to increase our number in the win column.  Losses don't always bother me as long as the girls are producing and playing tough.  We've had some exciting competitions and close games towards the end of last season."

LARNED ROSTER

2—Haelyn Pleasant, S/OH, 9

3—Kaylee Hagerman, 5-5, MH, 12

4—Devora Bowersox, DS , 9 

6—Maya Wilson, DS, 10

7—Cara Herbert, RS, 11

10—Brooke Simmons, S/OH, 10

11—Madison Wood, 5-4, S, 12

12—Jacquelyn Drury, M, 9

13—Jillian Hagerman, OH/OP, 10

14—Peyton Jones, OH, 9

15—Erin Stuchlik, DS, 11

17—Jazmin Naugle, S/DS, 9

18—Emma Creamer, DS, 10

20—Anna Simmons, S/OP, 9

21—Jaydn Crosby, MH/OP, 10

22—Cayden Smith, OH, 9

23—Cammy Upson, MH/OP, 11

24—Neveah Rigby, DS, 9

27—Ali Haney, M, 9

30—Jenna Fisher, DS, 9

INDIAN SCHEDULE

8-31—Central Kansas at Halstead

9-3—at Udall

9-14—at Hoisington JV

9-14—at Otis-Bison/La Crosse

9-17—at Hillsboro

9-24—at Hesston

9-26—at Larned

9-28—at Greensburg

10-1—Larned home meet

10-3—Larned home meet

10-8—at Pratt

10-10—at Stafford

10-14—at Haven

10-17—at Lyons

10-22—at 3A substate