IMA SPORTS

With nine returning players — including three who saw significant minutes — the Maumee volleyball team is building on last year’s foundation, according to coach Lindsay Vannett.

“They are already playing like a team,” Vannett said. “They support each other, care about each other’s development, and focus on the team rather than the individual. They trust each other on and off the court and just seem genuinely happy to be playing volleyball together. It’s such a different vibe, and I am all for it.

“I feel like the girls are starting where they left off last year, and we are able to advance them a little quicker than we have in recent history.”

The Panthers are looking to end a streak of three consecutive losing seasons, including last year’s 9-14 record. This will be their third year in the Northern Buckeye Conference, where they have gone 13-15 in the first two seasons.

“We have seen a ton of development from all the girls in the offseason, so their contributions so far have already exceeded my expectations,” Vannett said. “We have already had two scrimmages, and I am ready for this season to start. These girls are setting high standards and are already playing like a tenured team.”

Leading the returners is junior Brooke Kwiatkowski, named All-NBC for the second straight season last year. The do-it-all setter had 474 assists, 279 digs, 46 kills, 19 blocks and 57 service aces with a .966 serving percentage.

Kwiatkowski is closing in on career milestones — she is 265 assists away from 1,000 and 63 digs from 500.

Also returning is senior Sydney Genot, the team’s leading returning net presence. She recorded 156 kills, 88 digs and 48 aces. Junior Julia Coutcher had 161 digs a year ago.

Those players are the latest in a line of standout Panthers who have gone on to play in college. Four Maumee graduates are currently on college rosters, and Brynn Brown recently wrapped up a standout career at Marshall.

Asked what helps so many Maumee players reach the next level, Vannett pointed to passion.

“My staff and I have so much passion for the game of volleyball. I’d like to think that our passion, along with their talents, makes them appealing to college coaches,” she said. “We train them as more than just athletes. We talk about the intangibles needed to compete at the next level and try to model that throughout the season.

“The girls make choices to grow in the offseason, and that helps get them exposure to college coaches. I hope that college coaches love our girls not just for what they can do on the court but for who they are as people.”

While Kwiatkowski, Genot and Coutcher will draw attention, Vannett said she expects all 12 players to share leadership duties.

“We really need to get back to a well-run, athlete-led team, and they have all been asked to contribute to that,” she said. “We have a group that has been in the program for a few years, so they know the expectations and have already begun to establish themselves.”

Heading into Saturday’s season opener against Wauseon, Vannett said the team still needs to grow offensively.

“Mechanically we are there, but when it comes to our IQ when hitting, that’s where we need to develop,” she said. “We talk a lot about volleyball IQ, and that has been our focus — trying to make things look easier while becoming smarter players.”

The Panthers’ goals include steady improvement throughout the season without peaking too early, competing for an NBC title and making a deep tournament run.

After hosting Wauseon on Saturday and Bowling Green on Wednesday, Maumee visits Southview before opening NBC play at Rossford on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Reach IMA at insidemaumeeathletics@gmail.com