The Coyotes' Roar: Kittitas Volleyball Chases a State Dream with Seasoned Resolve

The air is different now, isn't it? That buzz of late-season volleyball, the one where every bump, set, and spike carries the weight of a dream. And for the Kittitas High School volleyball team, that dream is very much alive, thrumming with the hopes of a seasoned, battle-tested squad. You could say, for once, they’re not just hoping; they’re expecting.

It’s a special kind of season when your core is made up of seniors—players who’ve seen the highs and, yes, the lows of prep sports. Ainslie Glondo, their setter, she’s a force, truly, an All-League talent who orchestrates the entire court with a sort of quiet intensity. Then there’s Ashley Visser, the outside hitter, another All-League pick, who can turn a game on its head with her powerful swings. And don't forget Ashlee Kilgore, a middle blocker who just, well, gets it done. These aren't just names; they’re the heartbeat of this team, the very fabric of its identity.

Honestly, their run through the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference this year was nothing short of remarkable. Undefeated, if you can believe it, clinching their first EWAC title in four years. That’s a statement, isn’t it? It tells you about their consistency, their grind, their sheer refusal to let up. It’s a testament to the hours poured into practice, the early mornings, the late nights, the unwavering belief in each other.

Sure, the district championship slipped through their fingers—a tough loss, no doubt, but one that perhaps sharpened their focus even more. Sometimes, a little adversity, a slight stumble, can be just the fuel you need. Because despite that, they punched their ticket to state, and that, my friends, is the big prize. It’s where legends are made, or at least, where unforgettable memories certainly are.

Coach Kassidy Young, she sees it, too. It’s not just about the athleticism, she’ll tell you. It’s the mental game, the deep, abiding bond these girls share. “They're just so close,” she explained, a kind of proud warmth in her voice, “and they’re so mentally tough.” And frankly, that mental toughness, that collective spirit, it’s what often makes the real difference when the stakes are highest.

They’ve been here before, you know. Last year, a tough quarterfinal exit at state. That kind of experience, it doesn't just fade away; it lingers. It becomes a quiet fire, a driving force. You carry that memory, not as a burden, but as a lesson, a fierce motivation. This isn't just another tournament; it’s a chance to rewrite that particular chapter, to show everyone—and perhaps most importantly, themselves—what they’re truly capable of.

So, as the state tournament looms, the Kittitas Coyotes are stepping onto that court not just with high hopes, but with a quiet confidence born of experience, talent, and an unbreakable bond. They’ve done the work, weathered the storms, and now? Now, it’s time to play their game, one powerful point at a time. And we, for one, can't wait to see what they do.