Lady Panthers’ volleyball set for another solid season

After three straight 20-plus win seasons and back-to-back district championships, there is a lot of excitement around the Mountain Grove Lady Panthers’ volleyball team for the 2024 season.
Returning players include several key seniors from a season ago.
Makenna McGowan (DS, libero) returns to provide leadership and experience on the defense.
Seniors Landry Golden and Erecka Penner will help with a powerful offense up front.
Meanwhile, senior Raylee Stenzel returns and expects to showcase her power throughout the season while helping her team with her valuable volleyball IQ.
“I think she has established a name for herself and if you’ve seen her play, you know she’s beyond special,” said Mountain Grove head coach Ashley Kell.”With the kind of leadership that she brings, it’s easy to be excited for how the rest of your group will respond to that. She does nothing, but better everyone around her.”
Sophomore Sophee Peterson will be stepping into the outside role and is expected to make an impact for the Lady Panthers.
One key newcomer is Aubrie Gerla. She is a sophomore setter that has been putting in the work to help lead the Lady Panthers’ offense.
Other key players include juniors Kylie Roth and Addy Watson along with sophomores Rowen Kelly, Sadie Schober, Hadley Driskill and Santana Schwertfeger. Schober is expected to make an impact on the defensive side of the court.
A key to the season will be how the Lady Panthers move on without graduating seniors Campbell Welch, Kaily Wake and Jozey MacPherson.
“Our expectations every year is to be known as a hard working team,” Coach Kell said. “My kids know and understand that hard work is a non-negotiable for me. So carrying that over from last year into this younger group is key. So far this summer, they’ve understood that assignment and have been pushing each other to be better every day on the court and in the weight room. I think I can speak for the entire group when I say our goals will be to win our conference, be district contenders and to have an excitement for postseason play…As a coach, I believe this program is more than just a volleyball team; we are a family that lifts each other up, embraces competition, and always strives to be better. Our culture thrives on dedication, respect, and a love for the game. Every practice is a step toward greatness, and every match is an opportunity to showcase our hard work. I want my kids to leave every day knowing they worked hard for each other and were truly good humans. Everything else is just icing on the cake.”