After three wins last week against Olathe North, Shawnee Mission South and Lansing, the Olathe West Varsity Volleyball team has risen up this year’s leaderboard. Coach Amy Hoffsommer-Griffin is very proud of her team for these amazing results.
Focusing on the outside hitter of the varsity team, senior Ella Stowell, has been a player in the Olathe West volleyball team for four years now. She started her volleyball career at the age of 10 playing club (volleyball) until she got to high school.
“Honestly, it wasn’t a thing that I took super seriously,” Stowell said. “High school volleyball has really amped up my level just because of how much time you spend on it and also build a ton of great friendships.”
Here at West she started as a middle for the varsity team her freshman year which she didn’t really enjoy. All the years after that she has been an outside hitter (for the varsity team).
Her high school experience is coming to an end this year, so consequently her high school volleyball journey is coming to an end.
“Honestly, it’s so bittersweet,” Stowell said. “I’ve had such a great four years, and it’s so sad to see the girls that I’ve been playing with the past four years, don’t get to play with them anymore.”
Team bonding is also a very important aspect in all sports but especially volleyball because these girls have to coordinate themselves and talk to each other on the court. Though, most of the girls on the varsity team play volleyball together outside of school as well. Stowell plays in club (volleyball) with other girls that play in her team.
Other than her exceptional talent she has had some challenges during the years.
“I’ve overcome a lot of shoulder problems and a bunch of different injuries,” Stowell said.
She is very excited to announce that she is committed to play volleyball in college at Colorado State University. She is entering undecided but already thinking about majoring in either business or psychology. For Stowell, the next chapter brings new opportunities, but the lessons and friendships from Olathe West will stay with her long after her last game.
“I’m very excited for college, go Rams,” Stowell said.
