The North Platte Community College volleyball team might be young, but it doesn’t lack for talent.
The Knights have only three returners for the 2023 season: Avah Steggall, Vanessa Wood and Emily Johnson, leaving the remaining 11 spots filled with freshmen who will have to hit the ground running. Head Coach Alexa McCall is confident they can do just that.
“I am really excited for this group of freshmen,” McCall said. “There are a lot of them, but I think we have a very competitive roster that will push us forward. We work to make each position competitive so that our practice can resemble games, and it also gives us options.”
This year’s incoming athletes are:
- Tallianna Martin, Stapleton, Neb.
- Kathryn Folkers, of Sargent, Neb.
- Elsie Ottun, of Sargent, Neb.
- EmiLee Walnofer, of Atkinson, Neb.
- Jaelyn Dicke, of Waverly, Neb.
- Aubrey Grant, of Richfield, Utah
- Grace White, of Wiley, Colo.
- Fatima Gomez, of Wiley, Colo.
- Shamia Grandison, of Killeen, Texas
- Sydney Spillane, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Samantha Riggles, of Chattaroy, Wash.
“It will be interesting to see which ones step up,” McCall said. “We have quite a few that have some high-quality experience and others that will have to adapt quickly to the pace of the game, but I have no doubt that they will as they are all very athletic.”
Last season, the Knights made it to the championship round of the NJCAA Region IX Tournament. Steggall, Wood and Johnson were essential components of that charge, and the new team will rely on their leadership and experience heading into this year.
“Our sophomores will have to bring the experience for us,” McCall said. “They all played major parts last year and will have to step up their play to make sure we are ready. I am excited to see them in more of a leadership role regardless of what their positions are on the team.”
Steggall was named to the NJCAA All-Region IX Team after last season. The 6-foot setter from Alliance, Neb. notched an average of 6.48 assists per set, putting her third in the region. Altogether, she recorded 810 assists, 188 digs, 96 kills and 25 service aces for NPCC.
Wood was also a top competitor for the Knights, managing 210 kills and 72 digs in the 25 matches she played. Overall, the 5-foot-9-inch outside hitter from Greeley, Neb. garnered more than 220 points for the Knights.
Johnson scored 114 kills, 86 total blocks and 164 points during her time at North Platte. The 6-foot Briggsdale, Colo. native serves as a middle blocker for the Knights.
“Our main goal for this year is to qualify for the national tournament, which will include winning our region and district,” said McCall. “Those are both tough competitions, but I believe that with our schedule this year, we will be seasoned in time to perform under those pressures and against that caliber of teams.”
The Knights’ first game will be Aug. 18 during a tournament in McCook. NPCC will take on Seward County Community College at 1 p.m. before facing off against Western Wyoming College at 5 p.m.
