The Ellsworth Bearcats enter the volleyball season with something the program had not experienced in three decades: the confidence that comes with reaching the state tournament.
After making their first state tournament appearance in 30 years last season, the Bearcats return several players who played significant roles in key positions, giving the team valuable experience as it looks to take another step forward.
“I’m really excited about the outlook for our volleyball team this season,” Ellsworth head coach Kristy Rodriguez said. “Coming off our first state tournament appearance in 30 years, we have some great momentum heading into the season.”
That momentum has been reinforced by a summer of hard work, with the Bearcats focused on continuing to develop both individually and as a team.
“The girls have been working hard all summer, and I’m excited to see that work pay off as we continue to grow and compete at a high level,” Rodriguez said.
One of the key pieces of Ellsworth’s lineup is junior setter Kinly Place, a two-year starter who provides experience and confidence at the center of the Bearcats’ offense.
Place has developed into an all-around player who excels at reading the court and making decisions under pressure. Her ability to run the offense and put teammates in position to succeed makes her one of the team’s most important returning players.
“She is a true all-around player who reads the floor exceptionally well and has a great feel for the game,” Rodriguez said. “She takes charge of running our offense, makes quick decisions under pressure, and has the ability to put her teammates in positions to be successful.”
Place’s leadership and competitiveness will be especially important as Ellsworth attempts to match or surpass last season’s postseason success.
“She is a two-year starter who brings a tremendous amount of confidence and experience to the court,” Rodriguez said. “Her leadership, court awareness and competitiveness make her one of the most important pieces of our team.”
While Place provides leadership on the court, senior Sydney Soukup has made her impact through the example she sets every day.
Soukup is being recognized as a Character Counts athlete for her leadership, work ethic and selflessness. She does not have to be the most vocal person to influence those around her, instead leading through her actions and the way she treats her teammates.
“Sydney Soukup is the kind of leader who never needs to be the loudest person in the room to make an impact,” Rodriguez said.
As a senior, Soukup has earned the respect of her teammates through her consistency and willingness to put others first. Her quiet confidence and positive attitude have helped establish the type of team culture Ellsworth hopes will carry it through the season.
“She makes the people around her better simply by the way she treats others, works hard and sets a positive example every day,” Rodriguez said.
With experienced players returning, younger athletes continuing to develop and the memory of last season’s state tournament run still fresh, the Bearcats have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
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