With five seniors graduating from last season’s Salina South volleyball team, Delaney Harris knows this year’s squad will have a different look.
For Harris, that change brings an opportunity to build new relationships while helping the Cougars take the next step.
“I am excited to build a lot of new connections with our team as we graduated five seniors last season,” Harris said. “Even though we lost some height from last year, I feel like this team has a lot of grit and determination to get the job done.”
Harris enters the season as a two-year letter winner and six-rotation player who will be counted on to provide production on both sides of the net.
As a sophomore, Harris recorded 124 kills, averaging 1.4 kills per set, while adding 30 aces, 19 total blocks and 285 digs. She finished the season with an 86.6% serving percentage and a 10.3% ace percentage.
Now, she hopes an offseason filled with competition and additional training will help her elevate her game.
Harris played club volleyball for Smash, a Beloit-based team, and attended prospect and volleyball camps at Nebraska-Kearney and Kansas State. She also stayed active by playing softball and basketball.
“I have been watching and doing drills to know how and where to place the ball,” Harris said.
That work has been focused on improving her volleyball IQ, particularly when attacking. Harris wants to become better at recognizing the opposing block and making smarter decisions with her shots.
“I would like to improve my IQ of the game by just knowing where the block is and where to place the ball when attacking,” Harris said.
Harris also has a particular opponent circled on the schedule.
Salina South will face Central, giving Harris and the Cougars an opportunity to avenge last season’s result.
“I am also excited to play Central because we have the team to beat them since last year didn’t go our way,” Harris said.
While the Cougars may not have the same height they had a year ago, Harris believes their determination can make up the difference.
The goal is to translate that mentality into wins throughout the season and, ultimately, a postseason run.
Individually, Harris has set the benchmark of reaching 300 kills and earning All-League honors.
For the team, the objective is even bigger.
“I would like our team to have a winning season and make a run in the postseason,” Harris said.
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