As the new school year approaches, the excitement for fall sports is already building at Free State High School. Among the many talented teams, the girls' volleyball team is gearing up for a new season. We had the pleasure of speaking with Coach Jayme Savage to get a preview of what fans can expect from the team this year.
Coach Savage shared with us the top returning players from last season, including Karsen Chapman, Annika Lintecum, Tessa Nover-Estes, Ella Roberts, and Lilly Wall. These players not only bring skill and talent to the court, but they also hold each other to a high standard, creating a strong family dynamic on the team.
Their leadership and dedication will be vital in achieving the team's goals, which include finishing in the top five within the Sunflower League, winning Sub-State, and making another trip to State in Salina. In addition to the returning players, Coach Savage also introduced us to the new players who will make an immediate impact on the team.
This includes Ainsley Linhos, Ava Corbin, Kennedy Flachsbarth, Taylor Stucker, Charity Bittinger, Daisy Devlin, and Allie Mickel-Linder. Coach Savage emphasized the importance of every role on the team and how each player, whether on the court or not, plays a significant role in the team's success. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Savage looks for assertive and well-respected individuals who advocate for their teammates and strive to be the best they can be.
These qualities are essential in creating team chemistry and camaraderie, which Coach Savage believes is crucial for success. To further foster team chemistry, the team participates in team dinners before every home game and a secret sister program where players are paired with a "secret sister" on another team.
These activities not only promote connection and camaraderie but also allow players to have someone to play for, motivating them to push themselves to their full potential. Preparing for the season has its challenges, especially with club volleyball ending in July and a limited amount of time for high school practice and team bonding.
But Coach Savage believes that trust and a shared understanding of playing for something greater than oneself are key. The team will face a tough schedule this season, including challenging opponents like Olathe West, Mill Valley, and Olathe Northwest. Coach Savage is particularly looking forward to these games and sees them as opportunities for growth and improvement for the team.
Share With