The Wichita Northwest fans were eager to get this season started, and the players and head coach Emily Hiebert were no different. Coach Hiebert returned several starters from last season and despite having a tough schedule, she is confident her team can rise to the occasion. 

“We are looking forward to a fun season. We have six girls returning who got significant playing time last year. We had a very successful season last year. We went undefeated in league and went to the state tournament. Our overall record was 39-4. Our Goal is to win league again this year and to make it to state,” said coach Hiebert. 

First Team All-League setter and outside hitter Brailee Bogle is a senior this season and one of the leaders on the field. Last season she had 341 aces, 380 assists and hit .258. Payton Benoit is another senior and starting Libero for the Lady Grizzlies. Benoit made an impressive 411 digs last year and is on pace for similar numbers this season. Grace Dickerson (Sr.) is another player coach Hiebert expects big things from this season. 

“She is a huge part of our team. She took the most swings on our team last year with 525 attempts. She had 210 kills and hit .211. She also helped us tremendously in the back row with serve receive and defense. She ended the season with 210 digs,” said coach Hiebert. 

The Lady Grizzlies started the 2022 season winning five of their first seven games. Big wins against Heights, West, North, Andover, East, and Southeast has helped set the tone for the season. Big matches still loom on the schedule, but the team appears focused and ready to get the job done and carry some momentum into tournament season starting in last September. 

Daetyn Bogle (Sr.) is a Swiss Army Knife for the Lady Grizzlies. She can pass and hit. She also brings leadership to the floor and is a great teammate. 

Also look for Brooklyn Benoit, a very talented freshman who is going to make a big impact this season and will likely be one of the future leaders of this team. 

Middle blockers Alex Workman (Sr.) and Nina Mitchell (Jr.) are key players this season and will help this team assert themselves at the net. Nancy Ortiz (Sr.) and Zoe Nelson (Sr.) are two defensive specialists who factor into the team’s overall success.