Volleyball Sets new standard

Sydney+Barrett+serves+in+the+district+playoffs%0APhoto+taken+by%3A+TJ+Hoolehan

Sydney Barrett serves in the district playoffs Photo taken by: TJ Hoolehan

The Volleyball team’s young core of juniors led the way for a successful 2022 season, finishing the season with a 22-3 record.

“We accomplished our main goals of winning the ECC and sectionals,” said Sydney Barrett, ECC offensive player of the year

They accomplished something that had never been done in Kings’ history with their victory over Milford in the sectional round of the playoffs. They would end up losing a hard-fought match against Seton in the following round leaving them Sectional champs and district Runners-Up

Knights use the timeout to regroup against Milford (TJ Hoolehan)

“We feel pretty confident with returning our whole roster from this past year,” said Cate Freeman Junior 

This was the second year with this core group of 2024 graduates. With 6 of the 9 varsity players being juniors, they were a young but talented squad. Many of them started in 2021 as sophomores. The extensive experience in the regular and postseason will give the knights a unique advantage heading into 2023.

 “Come back a lot better next year,” Barrett said.

Proof of success is in the awards won last season: Sydney Barrett won ECC Offensive player of the year, and four Knights also won the first team all ECC–Sydney Barrett, Dakota Henry, Elise Marchal, and Abby Yoder. They plan to continue this elite play heading into their off-season play.

“We’re going to be putting work into our club seasons,” Freeman said.

During the offseason, all but 1 of the volleyball players continue to play on club teams to hone in their skills on the court, and, the other plays softball. Abby Yoder and Sydney Barrett play on the same club team (NKYVC) to continue building team chemistry. 

“During our next preseason we will focus on growing as a team and pushing each other to be our best,” Freeman said. 

Chemistry is vital for team sports. When all players on a court or field are playing together it can be deadly. That’s exactly what the knights have. Another advantage that gives the knights an edge over their competition is that ambition for the knights next season is clear.

“Our goal is to win state,” Barrett said.