Fresh off its first American Rivers Conference tournament appearance since 2016, the Central College volleyball team brings back plenty of talent to make it back-to-back appearances.
Coach Jeanne Czipri returns four starters and 17 letterwinners from the 2021 team that was 15-13 overall and 4-4 in the conference, placing fifth in the standings. Czipri says the talent level across the league is high once again and the Dutch will need to match it.
"It's going to be as competitive as it has ever been in my time here," she said. "We are eager for the challenge of the improved athleticism and skill that we will see across the net. We hope to mirror that elevated competitiveness on our side."
Players reported for practice last week and Czipri has been pleased with the team's start.
"We came in fit and ready to play," she said. "It's made preseason really exciting and we are making good strides."
That momentum starts with the team's leadership, including its five captains Rachel Pella (senior, Kansas City, Mo., Park Hill HS) Kate Pachner (senior, Akron, Colo.), Amanda Smith (senior, setter, Tipton), Kaylin Carel (senior, right-side hitter St. Michael, Minn., St. Michael-Albertville HS and Elyse Johnson (junior, middle hitter, Kirksville, Mo.).
"They are organized, empathetic hard workers and are extremely competitive," Czipri said. "The team is learning a lot of from their leadership."
Setter
Running a 6-2 offense last year, Smith and Adisyn Illg (senior, Johnsburg, Ill.) split time at setter. Both are seasoned veterans and capable of spearheading the offense. Smith led the team with 498 assists and Illg led the team with 31 service aces.
"They bring different strengths to the court," Czipri said. "Amanda moves so well and betters the ball because of her athleticism. Adisyn maintains our tempo and brings a ferociousness onto the court."
Chloe Waltrip (sophomore, Haysville, Kan., Cheyney) is the only other returning setter on the roster. She is joined by a handful of freshmen to provide additional options behind Smith and Illg.
"We have some freshmen pushing the seniors," Czipri said. "They are fantastic athletes with really strong hands. Once they get comfortable with our offense, it will come down to who connects best with which hitters and puts them in the best positions to score."
Right side hitter/outside hitter
Central will need to fill the void left by the graduation of four-year starter and all-conference selection Krissa Larson on the outside. Natalie Gaszynski (senior, Huntley) and Gracie Pierson (sophomore, Lake City, Minn.) were No. 2 and No. 3 on the team in kills with 177 and 156, respectively. Taryn Hintz (junior, Primghar, South O'Brien HS) flashed potential in her first season, playing just 38 sets but registering 58 kills and 16 blocks.
"Natalie will be our lone four-year varsity returner, and her versatility and fast arm will be an asset at both pins, Czipri said. "Taryn and Gracie are possibly the most athletically dynamic kids in the gym and bring a physicality to our team that really stands out."
Taylor Richards (senior, Ankeny) is another veteran arm on the outside, having earned her second varsity letter in 2021. Lexie Buls (senior, Kearney, Mo.), Carel and Gracie Daniels (junior, Broken Arrow, Okla.) also have varsity experience.
"Taylor doesn't have a lot of match experience but she is elevating this group with her consistency," Czipri said. "Gracie is such a ferocious competitor who wills her team to win. She has a lot of shots in her toolbelt."
Alexah Mellenberger (sophomore, New Glarus, Wis.) and Zoe Lutz (sophomore, Council Bluffs, Lincoln HS) were on the reserve team in 2021 and will be battling for a spot with the varsity.
Middle hitter
Pella broke out in 2021, recording 46 blocks and 140 kills while patrolling the middle. Lauren Brown (junior, Underwood) and Emma Wagler (sophomore, Des Moines, Roosevelt HS) played in reserve roles and still secured 17 blocks apiece. Johnson is a possibility in the middle as well as on the right-side.
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We anticipate a lot of competition from our four returning varsity middles," Czipri said. "They all have different strengths, both offensively and defensively. Who is on the floor will likely come down to who our opponent is across the net."
Libero/defensive specialist
Central also lost a mainstay at libero in former team captain and honorable mention all-conference pick Landry Luhring. Fortunately, Central has a plethora of good options to fill that spot.
"The position is wide open," Czipri said. "We have several women who are competing heavily for that role. It's probably the strongest group of liberos we have had in my time here."
Senior Sam Worley (Olathe, Kan., Northwest HS) and sophomore Becca Vala (Omaha, Neb., Elkhorn HS) played in over 75 sets and had 146 and 175 digs, respectively.
A pair of Colorado natives Pachner and Ivett Flores (sophomore, Windsor, Colo.) both have played in varsity matches and should factor into the discussion of libero and defensive specialists.
"There's a lot of competition and depth," Czipri said. "Kate and Sam are great senior leaders and teammates. Becca and Ivett are also returning letterwinners who are competing heavily for that role."
Emily Beldock (sophomore, Davenport Central HS), Toni Berns (sophomore, Chandler, Ariz., Corona del Sol HS) and Gwen Kahlke (sophomore, Blandinsville , Ill., West Prairie HS) all played in reserve matches last year and give Czipri more options to look at,
And Czipri did not rule out a newcomer contributing in this role.
"They all three have great ball control and athleticism to make that position even stronger," Czipri said.
The staff
The Dutch volleyball coaching staff has grown to eight members for 2021. Czipri is back for year six and is joined by new full-time assistant, Laura de Rosales. A former all-conference libero at Carthage College (Wis.), de Rosales was a Division I graduate assistant at Merrimack College (Mass.) in 2021.
"She had been fabulous to work with and is already leaving her mark on the program," Czipri said. "Her coaching skills and confidence is making it easy for our girls to follow her lead."
A group of six part-time or volunteer assistants includes four-year letterwinner Erin Dilger and the return of Molly MacQueeney who was with the program for three years from 2018 to the spring of 2021. Cyndi Boertje (fourth season), Nicole Green (third season), Joanna Settles (second season) and Sam Leverenz (first season) round out the coaching staff.
Central opens the season on Friday, September 2 at 8 p.m. against Bethany Lutheran College
(Minn.) as the opening match of the Central-Grinnell Invitational.
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