Kettle Falls Volleyball Building Depth, Confidence Entering New Season

Kettle Falls volleyball head coach MaKayla Thompson sees a program continuing to move in the right direction. “My expectations for this year are continuous improvement and growth as we work to develop our KF volleyball program,” Thompson said. “We have great turnout again this year and will have three teams.” That depth is one of the biggest signs of progress for Kettle Falls. Thompson said she was proud of how much the Bulldogs improved over the course of last season, when their work eventually began translating into results late in the year.

“I was proud of how far the girls came last year,” Thompson said. “They worked hard and we did experience some success by the end of the season.” The work didn’t stop when the season ended. A number of Kettle Falls players competed in club volleyball during the winter, while many also took part in the school’s summer weights and conditioning program. “I’m also proud of the work our girls have put in during the off-season,” Thompson said.

“This year our girls are eager to compete, and I’m very excited to see how we progress throughout the season.” The Bulldogs bring back several players who Thompson expects to provide lead- ership both on and off the court. Senior Francis Kelly returns in the middle and gives Kettle Falls experience at the net. “She has great energy on the court and is always looking to improve and grow,” Thompson said.

Cambria Thivierge also returns after playing setter last season. Thompson said Thivierge could be used in multiple roles this fall, including some time on the out- side. Kettle Falls also returns Heira Pa- lumbo at outside hitter and Kylie Lister at setter, giving the Bulldogs several experi- enced pieces around which to build their lineup. Several younger players who received limited varsity opportunities last season have developed into players Thomp- son expects to take on larger responsibilities.

Sophomore Sawyer Woodbury has stepped into a right-side role, while junior Wyn Edwards has emerged at middle hit- ter. Sophomore Natalee Corvino will contribute at libero and defensive specialist. Thompson is also particularly excited about sophomore Kendall Nissen, who could play both outside hitter and middle. “She has improved immensely and will be a key force at the net for us,” Thompson said.

And there are more players behind them trying to earn their opportunity. “We also have several underclassmen who are working hard for varsity time as well,” Thompson said. “The girls are going to have to work hard to keep their spots! It is going to be an exciting and evolving year!” That internal competition could help Kettle Falls as it prepares for another difficult league schedule.

Northwest Christian enters the season as the defending state champion, while Davenport, Newport, and Reardan are among the programs Thompson expects to be difficult opponents. “Our goal is to compete with these teams and continue to grow as a program,” Thompson said. For Kettle Falls, Thompson believes the next step isn’t simply physical.

The Bulldogs need to develop the confidence to recognize that they belong on the court with the league’s top teams. “Some challenges for us will be to maintain the mental strength and confidence, knowing that we have the ability to com- pete,” Thompson said. “The girls are work- ing on staying mentally tough and resilient when we face struggles during play.” That means learning how to respond when an opponent goes on a run, when mistakes begin to pile up or when a match starts moving in the wrong direction.

Thompson believes her players already possess the physical tools. “They have all the ability, they just need to believe in themselves and that they have worked to deserve a top spot in our league,” she said. The Bulldogs have also developed something coaches cannot always manufacture: chemistry. “We have great team chemistry and great energy on the court,” Thompson said. “We are working hard to translate that to games.” With three teams, a returning varsity core, younger players pushing for playing time, and an offseason filled with additional volleyball and conditioning work, Kettle Falls has plenty of reasons for optimism. “I am very excited to see how we grow this year,” Thompson said. “The future looks bright for Kettle Falls volleyball!”