BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

CHASE – Chase volleyball coach Grace Faltysek traveled a long and winding road to central Kansas.

The Redlands, Calif. native landed at Sterling College as a defensive specialist after playing volleyball from a young age.

“I credit my first coach, my dad, who is my biggest cheerleader,” Faltysek said. “I enjoyed phenomenal coaches at Inland Valley Force in Redlands, Calif. who training me. I also credit John Harding and Tamara Heitschmidt at Sterling College, and Bill Beloro at Grand Terrace High School.

Faltysek accepted the volleyball job after working with Sarah Staten last year.

“Sarah taught me so much and still continues to help,” she said. “I hope to be a quality coach like her one day.” 

So far, Faltysek has been inspired by the Kats’ work ethic.

“We have many awesome girls on our team,” she said. “It’s been a joy to see them grow. Our seniors are amazing leaders. I’m excited because I know they’re going to give it their all. I believe we’ll have a strong season, and will fight for every point. These girls are ready to give it their all.”

Faltysek commented on her top returning trio.

“Jersey Meyeres is a strong hitter who is ready to effectively lead her teammates with positivity and grit.

“Aurelia Bowen is a powerful utility player who I can depend on for every pass, every hit and every match. 

“Maudie Bowen is our star setter with a mean serve who is ready to set up her team for success.” 

The Kats want to play a mentally tough game.

“Grit is a choice, and success is a result of persevering in grit,” she said. “We practice staying in the present every play, releasing the negative and celebrating the positive. We focus on the mental side to prepare us for moments where we need to be mentally tough. Our practical game plans is attack every ball and no ball hits the floor.”

The undersized Kats will be challenged in the brave new world in the Central Prairie League, led by Ellinwood and St. John.

“Our team goals are to play our hardest, show true sportsmanship and stay mentally tough,” she said. “We love when fans show support at our games. Go Kats!

CHASE KATS

1—Alyssa Beavers, 5-3, 10

2—Jersey Meyeres, 5-6, 12

3—Hailey Beavers, 5-2, 9

5—Aurelia Bowen, 5-5, 12 

12—Maudie Bowen, 5-4, 12 

13—Lillian Cole, 5-4, 9

14—Riley Bowen, 5-10, 11

15—Makayla Miller, 5-6, 9

20—Addison Kleinsorge, 5-5, 10

21—Angely Urquia, 5-3, 10

22—Zada Evans 5-7, 10 

33—Harmony Demoret, 5-10, 9

CHASE VOLLEYBALL

8-30—at Natoma /Stockton

9/3—at Sylvan Grove/ Thunder Ridge

9/5—Central Plains/ Fairfield

9/10—at Tescott/Lakeside 

9/17—Tescott/ Rock Hills

9-21—at Pawnee Heights Tournament

9-24—*Victoria/*Ness City

10-1—*Otis Bison/*Central Plains

10-5—JV quad 

10-8—*Ellinwood/*Macksville

10-12—CPL Tournament at Hoisington

10-15—at *St. John/*Kinsley/*LaCrosse

10-17—at Natoma/Thunder Ridge

10-26—at 1A substate