Looking to build off a surprising run last season due to a team loaded with underclassmen, the Iola Mustang volleyball team got back to work this week during their summer team camp.
For IHS coach Lauren Moots, the camp is a hopeful preview of the team’s future as her battle-hardened group of underclassmen and experienced upperclassmen showed their early potential in team drills.
“We have a lot of returners and with my freshman being sophomores we have a lot of returners with experience,” Moots said. “We have a large incoming freshmen class, so we have some to build and get up to speed, but it’s been a really good group.”
Sophomore libero Kashyn Curry also delighted in seeing so many future teammates on the court.
As the tip of Iola’s defensive spear, the then-freshman experienced a trial-by-fire 2025-26 season. And not just in volleyball.
Throughout the winter and spring sports season, the underclassmen were also pressed into action earlier than expected, but Curry said her fellow sophomores are already experiencing the benefits from facing more experienced competition.
“Last year, we had a smaller group that was almost all younger,” Curry said. “This year, we’re all a bit older, and I feel like I can take a bigger step in responsibility, helping the other girls and being a leader for them, too.”
Although losing much of their starting lineup from the 2024 season, the 2025 Mustangs had more than a few experienced returners in Dally Curry, Zoie Hesse, Kinsey Jelinek and Mahala Burris.
Curry was a second team All-Pioneer League selection last year and can already feel the Mustangs’ potential for a dark horse run at a league title.
Hannah Thompson spikes the ball.
“I’m sad it’s my last year, so I’m looking to go big,” Curry said. “I just hope some of these girls get to the same point I have.”
Curry said seeing so many talented incoming freshmen and experienced sophomores makes this season especially important to her and fellow seniors Hesse, Jelinek and Burris.
Already looking to end their senior season in a blaze of glory, their success this year would create a strong foundation for the program and a launching point for future Iola Mustangs.
“It’s awesome to see the program growing and the girls here wanting to make the program better,” Curry said.
However, before the Mustangs can think about hoisting a trophy, Coach Moots believes they have lots of work ahead of them.
Still weeks away from the official start of the season, Moots hopes this week of camp instills the expectations for the entire team and in the process creates year-to-year improvement.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to touch a ball before practice begins in August,” Coach Moots said. “We can work on our rotation a little bit, where we are reps wise. Our focus is to start with fundamentals and build on bigger things to help us prepare for the season. It’s helpful for the girls, and our incoming freshmen, to feel more acclimated to our system.”
