WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Armed with a collection of experienced members, Grace's volleyball team marches with confidence into the 2023 campaign.
The Lancers, under ninth-year head coach Katie Hill, have been playing with the confidence of a veteran team so far in the preseason.
Despite having just one senior (Katie Swanson), Grace boasts 10 upperclassmen thanks to the nine-player junior class. The crop of juniors has seen significant court time since their first season, and Coach Hill was excited to see that veteran mindset on display.
"This team is playing with a lot more poise and confidence compared to the past few years. We have so many returners back that it has allowed us to hit the ground running so far," Hill said. "Our group has a different mindset this year; before where our team would make typical freshman or sophomore errors, they are now stepping up in big moments. They aren't afraid to take risks and make big plays."
Cassadi Colbert leads the returners after collecting Second Team All-Crossroads League recognition in 2022. She racked up 317 kills with a career-best 2.8 kills per set.
Fellow outside hitter Jadyn Ross picked up honorable mention All-League status. Ross was third on the team with 223 kills and second with 303 digs.
Anna Ballengee and Brea Harris also join Grace's outside hitters. Ballengee transferred from the University of Southern Indiana, providing immediate on-court leadership and impressive court vision. Harris is a 5-foot-9 freshman who has showcased intelligence in attack already.
Swanson leads the right side positional group. The honorable mention All-League senior produced 234 kills, doing so while shifting positions during the season to account for injuries to Grace's middle hitters.
Sahara Bee, another right side hitter, offers a strong block and an improved offensive presence. Aspen Moyer also joins the junior class on varsity this year after competing on the junior varsity squad.
The setters are anchored by juniors Morgan Syoen and Riley Owens. The duo are entering their third season setting for Grace; they bring volleyball IQ and experience connecting with hitters.
The middles are deeper than ever with four talented players manning the middle. Alisha Leffring battled injury last year but is averaging over two kills per set on a .228 percentage for her career. Sophomore Livia Tate has the potential to be one of the top blockers in team history, according to Hill, after tallying 96 block points last year.
The freshman pair of Callie Jo Celichowski (6-2) and Claire Jackson (6-4) bring height, energy and a physical presence at the net.
The back row is a talented, athletic, scrappy group, according to Hill. Sophomores Liz Schmidt and Emma Blackford and juniors McKenzie Stakely and Paige Vander Goot give Hill a wealth of options to help arm Grace's defense.
Several familiar faces will feature in Grace's rotations this year, but that doesn't mean the 2023 campaign will be a carbon copy of prior years. Hill asserted that this team felt completely different due to the team's increase in confidence, injection of new talent and enhanced team chemistry.
"We return a lot of the same players, but we are a totally different team this year. They have been operating at a different level and are playing with a lot more confidence," Hill commented. "We are connecting really well on and off the court. When you trust the people next to you on the court, you perform at a higher level. We haven't reached our ceiling yet, and it will be exciting to see this team push to reach their potential."
The Lancers begin their season this weekend in Fort Wayne. Grace will play four matches at the Memorial Coliseum across Friday and Saturday. They will then travel to Bethel on Sept. 1-2 before the team's home opener versus Goshen on Sept. 6.
