BY JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com

Ask all-state setter Kya Behr and she'll guarantee two more home volleyball appearances at Great Bend High School.

Her second-to-last projected home appearance starts at 9 a.m. Saturday for the Great Bend Invitational volleyball tournament.

She's treasuring every moment according to an interview with Cole Reif from Kansas Sports Chatter.

"This is my last season together with Alex Mayers and Meredith Mazouch," Behr said. "We've played together since we were 'itty-bitty.' This is our final ride together. Let's go out with a bang."

Great Bend Middle School volleyball coach Crystal Schroeder saw Behr's skill when she installed her as a setter. Behr is a gifted setter who knows her teammates while sizing up the opponent's blocks.

"It's stuck with me," Behr said. "You have to show confidence as a setter. Times are going to get tough, but you have to be the one to put your foot in the ground and say OK, we're going to be fine.

"You have to read the court and the other team. I'm like the quarterback for football, so maybe my dad (Shawn Behr) and I can connect that way."

Behr uses a fiery spirit to perform at a high level. His primary goal is staying positive with teammates.

"I'm very competitive, and that shows on the court," she said. "My dad instilled in me the good qualities of a leader. I encourage players around me. I want to put my team in the best position."

Behr is quick to credit past and present Barton Cougar volleyball coaches for her development.

Her Barton Cougar connection started when an anxious mom approached former Cougar volleyball coach Alan Segal.

"My mom asked, 'Would you mind helping her out a little bit?' I fell in love with volleyball because of him," Behr said. "Barton's Megan Besecker was amazing. I have respect for her because of my opportunities. Now, Barton's Jim (Cartisser) has been awesome. He's going to be our next club volleyball coach."

Behr's high school journey started when Panther veterans Paige Thexton, Sadie Spray and Lauren Davis welcomed her freshman season.

"The seniors were encouraging and welcoming," she said. "They showed me what being a part of a volleyball family should be. I hope to God that we've carried that on that tradition. If you feel that way, we're going to be a successful program. That's what's made us so successful."

Back-to-back state trips ended with last year's heartbreaking loss to Kapaun Mt. Carmel that prevented a 5A semifinal berth after the Panthers surprised powerhouse Maize South.

"We beat an amazing Maize South team full of stud volleyball players — Sage Illian and Bella Koch, amazing volleyball players," she said. "When we lost (to Kapaun) we were devastated and heartbroken."

Behr said her teammates are invested in creating a lifetime memory.

"We worked our tails off in the off-season. We're going to make some noise," she said. "Our girls have put in so much work."

If the Panthers take care of business down the stretch, they'll clinch a homecourt postseason bid, ensuring Behr a bonus home appearance.

Behr appreciates every homecourt moment.

"We have one of the best student sections in the state and the best community," she said. "Coach (Tina) Johnson is doing amazing things. She brings an energy to the gym. We see her level of expertise."

Kansas Sports Chatter interviews are available on youtube.com

GREAT BEND INVITE — 9 a.m. —Great Bend vs Salina Central; Hutchinson vs Newton; 10 —Great Bend vs Hutchinson; Salina Central vs Wichita West; 11—Great Bend vs Wichita West; Salina Central vs Newton; 12 —Newton vs Wichita West; Salina Central vs Hutchinson; 1—Great Bend vs Newton; Hutchinson vs Wichita West