Kathy “Coach Kat” Russell is new to Inman High School, but has been coaching volleyball for 25 years.
“This is exciting times for Inman volleyball,” Russell said. “I have a deep passion and love for the game. I am excited to be able to have the opportunity to coach these amazing young ladies that share my passion for volleyball. I’m also thrilled that my daughter Emme Butler will be one of my assistants, along with Nicole McClellan.
“We had a very strong preseason this summer. We played Hutchinson summer league and had three teams — varsity, JV and an instructional team. This league was a very competitive league and my girls finished strong.”
The Inman Teutons finished the 2023 season with a 37-7 overall record and went 10-1 in district play. Inman qualified for state in their 2A substate and finished with a respectable fourth-place finish at state.
Inman returns 5-foot-11 junior Suttyn Harris, who made the State Tournament All-State Team and was named Kansas Volleyball Association First Team All-State.
“Suttyn will also dominate on the outside,” Russell said. “In fact this summer, she verbally committed to University of Utah. She will do great things there. We are beyond excited for her.”
Russell said the Teutons have much to be excited about. Inman lost some strong seniors last year, but has six varsity players returning that received quite a bit of playing time last year. Returning players to watch include senior Brooke Aden.
“This summer she played middle for me and did an amazing job,” Russell said. “Her leadership is going to really make a difference this year.”
Inman also returns 6-foot junior Morgan Froese and has Kenna Woods on the outside.
“I can’t wait to see what Morgan can do in the middle,” Russell said. “She is a very strong athlete that is going to battle for her teammates. Again, another very athletic player that will do great things. Kenna’s growth this summer as a hitter just blossomed.”
Russell said she has other players that could potentially play at the collegiate level.
“Allison Schrag is an amazing utility player that I could put anywhere,” Russell said “That’s is a wonderful thing to have as a coach. This summer, I had two very athletic setters that we worked in our offense. Taylor Froese, sophomore, trained this summer setting and also will be a very powerful right side for Inman. Ellie Thimmesch is blessed with speed, full of energy and she’ll be the opposite setter. Ellie could also play defense for us if we need her too.
“Our newcomer this year is Adi Alcala. She transferred in this summer. She will be our pitbull in the back row. Junior Cora Johnson this summer showed amazing leadership and could contribute in the back row as well.”
Russell said she believes Inman is a team to watch.
“We finally have all the puzzle pieces together that we need to go all the way,” Russell said. “Our team motto this year is ‘Let’s Make Some Noise!’ This summer, their work ethic was top-notch. In fact I have not seen players with such determination, and intense work ethic. We have done the work and now it’s time to get it done.”
Inman opens the season Sept. 3 at the Centre Mod Quad and hosts the Inman Invitational Sept. 7.
INMAN HIGH SCHOOL 2024 VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 3 Centre Mod Quad, 4 p.m.
Sept 7 Inman Invitational, 9 a.m.
Sept. 10 Sedgwick Mod Quad, 4 p.m.
Sept. 14 Haven Tournament, 9 a.m.
Sept. 17 Bennington (Double Dual), 4 p.m.
Sept. 19 Trinity (Double Dual, 4 p.m.
Sept. 24 Moundridge Mod Quad, 4 p.m.
Sept. 26 Sterling (Double Dual), 4 p.m.
Sept. 28 Inman JV Tournament, 9 a.m.
Oct. 1 Moundridge (Double Dual), 4 p.m.
Oct. 3 Little River (Dual), 4 p.m.
Oct. 5 Canton Galva Tournament, 8:30 a.m.
Oct. 8 Inman Mod Quad 4 p.m.
Oct. 15 Ell-Saline (Double Dual), 4 p.m.
Oct. 17 Pratt Skyline (Double Dual), 4 p.m.
Oct. 19 Berean Academy JV Tournament, 9 a.m.
Oct. 21-22 First round of playoffs
Oct. 26 Sub-State
Nov. 1-2 State Dodge City TBD