WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace’s volleyball team carries an experienced squad into the 2024 season under head coach Katie Hill.
Hill’s Lancers are fresh off a national title after claiming the 2023 NCCAA national championship in December. Grace returns 83 percent of its roster from that championship squad, including most of its usual starting lineup.
“This is an exciting year for our program. We have a lot of upperclassmen returning who have multiple years of court experience,” Hill said. “We’re seeing the benefits from them playing so much as freshmen. They’re leading each other well by example and vocally, and they’re excited to build off last year’s success.”
Grace is armed with eight seniors to lead the way. The group has stayed true to the building process, enjoying the growth as a collective program as each player has improved individually as well.
“The seniors have demonstrated a commitment to our program and to each other over the past four years,” Hill said. “They lost games early in their careers but showed a willingness to push through to where they are now. That type of commitment leaves a legacy to the players that will follow.”
With the majority of the team being upperclassmen, Hill noted how the team was more player-led than ever before.
The championship season in 2023 has only raised the group’s internal expectations as well. Hill was impressed with how the players have been calling themselves and each other to a higher standard already in the preseason.
“The team is playing with a lot more confidence this year. They’re a little more comfortable taking risks on the court,” Hill said. “This team has always been a group that brought the effort every day. They’re a team of high achievers in the classroom and on the court. So our focus is to remain levelheaded and consistent through the highs and lows that each season brings.”
The Lancers have a balanced squad with a stout defense backed by a diverse offense.
Alisha Voss highlights a strong group of middle hitters. She was an NCCAA Second Team All-American in 2023 and led Grace in kills (311) and blocks (131).
Livia Tate is “one of the most underrated blockers in our conference,” according to Hill, and Callie Jo Celichowski has shown rapid growth as she enters her sophomore season.
The back row has been potentially the strongest unit through the preseason in Hill’s eyes. The group, including Liz Schmidt, McKenzie Stakely, Emma Blackford and Aspen Moyer, consists entirely of upperclassmen. “They have been very scrappy and are keeping a lot of balls off the floor. Their play has been challenging our offense every day to find ways to score points.”
Grace’s offense has pivoted around its setting tandem of Morgan Syoen and Riley Owens. The duo have directed Grace’s offense for multiple years with each player bringing her own strength to the offense.
The outside hitters unit has a blend of veterans and freshmen. Jadyn Ross has been a proven presence throughout her career with the versatility to contribute on both sides of the net.
Anna Ballengee has made major strides in the offseason. She has “always been a smart hitter, but now she is putting her IQ and her power together,” in Hill’s estimation.
Brea Harris was recovering from a knee injury during her freshman season in 2023, and she enters the fall healthy and ready to contribute.
A pair of freshmen also add to the offensive firepower. Anna Elkin and Olivia Martinez have impressed in their first preseasons. They add loads of potential at the net and a plethora of options at Hill’s disposal.
The right side hitters will be led by senior Sahara Bee. Bee, who is a stout blocker and potent offensive threat, helps set the tone for the team’s focus and intensity. “She treats every practice like a game,” described Hill.
Claire Jackson is a commanding presence at the net and has worked hard leading into her sophomore season.
Leah Henderson is a local product after starring at Warsaw. She is a “dynamic” hitter who is making the transition from playing more in the middle during her Tiger career.
Grace is talented, but they are more importantly mission-focused. The team went to the Dominican Republic to begin the preseason this summer. The trip saw Grace use its volleyball platform to minister to those around them, encouraging the local churches and serving in orphanages among other avenues.
“The trip was a great reminder of what our mission really is. We got to use volleyball to connect other people to Christ. That week began our season on the right foot,” Hill said. “I was encouraged by how our whole team didn’t hold themselves back but led and engaged in the opportunities that God gave them. We learned a lot about each other and got to see each other’s hearts in a deeper way. Those connections help in a sport of chemistry like volleyball.”
Grace has a challenging schedule to test its veteran squad. Ten of the team’s first 11 matches will be played away from the friendly confines of the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.
Additionally, the Lancers will battle six opponents who ended the year in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll, giving Grace several chances to weigh itself against the NAIA’s best.
The Lancers begin their season with a two-day tournament at Indiana Wesleyan this week on Thursday and Friday.
Grace will then travel to Fort Wayne for another two-day tournament on Aug. 23-24 before beginning Crossroads League play on Sept. 4.
The home opener for Grace is slated for Sept. 11 versus Taylor.