SPOKANE, Wash. – How does a team improve on perfection? One year removed from finishing 16-0 in the Northwest Conference, the Whitworth volleyball squad will try to raise the bar even higher.
Head coach Kati Bodecker believes that process began months ago.
"Seeing how our younger players step into new roles and embrace bigger responsibilities on the court during the spring training season is exciting," said Bodecker, who is 219-83 heading into her 13th year at Whitworth. "It was a fun and successful spring and everyone is eager to compete."
The Pirates will have to replace some key pieces from the squad that went 26-3 overall and 16-0 in the NWC, including 2024 conference Player of the Year Ella Jimenez and first team All-NWC middle Cassidy Franklin. The Pirates also lost starting right side Abigail Hudson, starting libero Taylor Miche and setter Megan Lange to graduation.
Bodecker still has talented pieces to work with, beginning with outside hitter Amblessed Okemgbo, who earned second team All-Northwest Conference recognition in 2024. Okemgbo was the Pirates' second offensive option all last year and Bodecker believes she is ready to become the primary focus.
"Amblessed is eager and has been working hard," she said. "She is mentally and physically strong and I know she will take on any role and responsibility that is needed for our team to be successful."
Stephanie Leach and first-year Alyssa Baird will battle for the other outside hitter starting role during training camp.
Lauren Kremer earned honorable mention All-NWC recognition in her first season as a starting middle in 2024 after ranking among conference leaders in blocks per set (1.02). She returns to that role this fall. Rylie Harnden and Ali Bush will compete for the other starting spot in the middle.
Lindsey Short had an immediate impact after earning a role in the regular rotation on the right side last fall. She figures to become the full-time starter. Paige McKenzie, a first year, could see action as well.
Bodecker has two seasoned veterans ready to run the attack. Josephine Thompson and Mya Rodriguez return at setter in Whitworth's 6-2 offense. Thompson started most matches in 2024 and led the Bucs in assists per set. Rodriguez was injured for most of last season but was a regular part of the offense in 2023.
"I am grateful to have two talented, experienced setters who will help lead our team both on and off the court," Bodecker said.
Emmerson Lee and Peyton Size are a pair of first-year Pirates who will get the opportunity to learn and provide back up as setters this fall.
Despite her smaller stature, Miche leaves big shoes to fill in the libero role. Rachel Cram, Olivia Paul, Claire Hamer and first-year Haylie Steele will battle for the starting role, as well as the second defensive specialist position in the rotation.
Whitworth will open the 2025 season by hosting its own tournament for the first time in nearly two decades. Trips to California (Whittier Invitational) and Texas (Trinity Invite) will follow.
The Northwest Conference will be ready and aiming to knock off Whitworth this season. Pacific Lutheran, Puget Sound and George Fox are the top returning programs, along with the Pirates.
