Going to state is something that all high school athletic teams dream of. For the Knights, this season means more. In the past three seasons the Knights have made it to state twice. Last season was a heartbreaker though with a loss to Parkway South in the district finals, the game before state.

“This year just means more,” senior Parker Smith said. “Not making it last year was something tough and was something we had to get over but I think this year’s team can do that.” 

This year’s team consists of seven seniors, four of which were on the team from the 2021-2022 season that made it to the first round in state but lost to Vianney in a close game of 5 sets. Since that season, the Knights have gained three more seniors, one of which include Walter Hammond. Hammond had the third most kills on the team along with the highest kill percentage. 

“I am just really excited for this year,” Hammond said. “Since it is my senior year, I look forward to playing with a lot of my close friends. I also look forward to having a lot of successes this year.”

For some of the seniors though, like Trenton Leuthauser, this season meant something different for other reasons. During the fall when Leuthauser was in soccer season he suffered a season-ending injury to his leg. For volleyball season Leuthauser has been cleared which means a lot to him.

“I am excited for what this year holds for me and I can’t wait to play it with all of my friends,” Leuthauser said. “It is also my senior year so I want it to be a good one.”