By Matt Browning
The seniors on the 2025 Kapaun Mount Carmel volleyball team were able to experience playing in the state tournament last season.
That valuable experience is why the Crusaders have lofty expectations again this season.
“You set a goal to win sub-state and go to state but it’s hard to work for something you know nothing about,” said coach Heather Holovach. “The goal you set for all these years was attained and now we want to win state, not just make it there.”
The beauty of Kapaun’s team is it’s more than just one or two players. The Crusaders are a blend of experience and youth but most of all, talented.
“We are depending on the strengths of our five seniors,” Holovach said. “We have a couple of freshmen that will have a lot to contribute, with a few juniors and a sophomore sprinkled in there. It will take all 12 players to get where we want to go.”
If the Crusaders are to get back to the state tournament and be a threat to win the whole thing, the schedule they play in the Greater Wichita League will help them be prepared.
“I believe the GWAL schedule will be challenging this year,” Holovach said. “Northwest, Bishop Carroll, North and Heights should all be pretty good. It is great that the level of play in the GWAL has improved over the last few years.”
Kapaun has two goals of capturing a league and state championship, which would make this a season to remember if both are achieved.
“Because you know what’s fun?” Holovach asked. Winning…winning is fun.”
