The Keota Eagles are looking to make some progress this volleyball season, with a number of players returning from last season’s four-win team. Only three seniors depart, although one is all-conference hitter Nicole Clarahan, who led the team with both 57 kills and 225 digs. Head coach Deb Swantz tells KCII Sports that the returners have been working hard to get ready for a new season of action.

“There were quite a few girls that put in some preseason work,” Swantz says. “We did have some open gyms [and] we did have a chance to go to Central College for a two-day competitive camp. And then we’ve also had three scrimmages thus far.”

One big piece back for Keota is senior setter Cassandra Swantz. Along with a team-high 108 assists last season, Swantz put up 47 kills, 15 serving aces and 122 digs. Senior middle blocker Emily Sheetz returns after posting 41 kills and 20 blocks in 2022. Junior hitters Kimberly Clarahan and Izzi Chalupa are also back after each recording at least 40 kills, 15 aces and 160 digs. Swantz says the ingredients are in place to cook up some success; now comes finding that right mix.

“I would say along with the experience, we also are working on that chemistry,” she says. “We’ve got a couple different rotations that we’re going to be able to utilize this year, as we do have such a range of talent, so we’re able to kind of spread out the love. [I am] just really looking forward to bringing that all together and seeing how well that works.”

Keota will start the new season Monday evening when they host their annual tournament, including a matchup that night with Lone Tree.