Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Kimball volleyball is on the road from here on out this season. Tuesday night were JV and varsity duals at Paxton. Next up is a visit to Haxtun on Thursday, Oct. 17.
The 2024 volleyball season for the Kimball Lady Longhorns has been a journey of growth, dedication, and resilience. As one of the youngest teams in the league, these girls have shown a commitment to improvement and teamwork that has been evident both on and off the court.
This improvement has been noticeable throughout the season. One great example is our serving percentage, which went from 75.6% in our first game, to a remarkable 96.8% accuracy in a recent game against Potter-Dix. This highlights the determination of each player to hone their skills and contribute to the team's overall success.
Standout performances this season include Hannah Kilgore, who has been a defensive rock with 183 digs, and Rachel Berger, who has powered through with 64 kills. Grace Moore has stepped up in her role, recording 111 assists, distributing the ball effectively and creating opportunities for her teammates.
Despite this success, the team has faced significant challenges. We suffered major blows when Addy Olson tore her ACL before the season, and when Rachel broke her foot on October 1st. However, even with these injuries, both girls have remained integral to the team's spirit, offering support and leadership in ways that go beyond statistics.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Lady Longhorns this season has been their adaptability. With players stepping into new positions, putting in extra hours of practice, and always being ready to fill a varsity spot when needed, the team has displayed their unity. Every girl has embraced the mentality of putting the team first, and their unwavering focus on this principle is a testament to their character.
Beyond the court, the high school girls have been equally committed to mentoring the next generation of volleyball players. Each player has buddied up with a youth player, offering them guidance in both volleyball and their school journeys. This mentorship is not only building connections, but also fostering leadership and character development among our athletes.
In a few weeks, on October 26th, the Lady Longhorns will step into a new role as they help run the youth volleyball tournament here in Kimball. It's another example of how these student athletes are shaping the future of our volleyball program and serving as role models in our community.
This season, despite its challenges, has been one of heart, growth, and resilience. The Lady Longhorns have proven that they can face adversity with strength and unity. Their dedication to each other and to the team, along with another year of experience, will undoubtedly carry them to greater heights next season.
