John Bohnenkamp for Pen City Current Sports
FORT MADISON - Kelly Knustrom is in her third season as Fort Madison High School’s volleyball coach, and she’s seeing a foundation develop within the program.
She has 35 players out this season, but what she is appreciating is how what the Bloodhounds are doing is trickling down through the system.
Knustrom took 16 players to a team camp at Nebraska this summer to learn at one of the top college volleyball programs in the nation.
“They brought a lot back to the gym,” Knustrom said. “But I can see what they learned in some of the girls who didn’t get to go. You can see that they’re teaching them things.”
The Nebraska trip, Knustrom said, was a learning experience.
“I thought we really bonded there,” she said. “That was huge for them. It was tough, but they responded really well. It was fun for sure. But it was tough.”
Now the Bloodhounds try to build off a season in which they won four matches, although three of those wins came in Southeast Conference play.
Knustrom has seven seniors on the varsity roster.
“I foresee all of them helping this team,” she said. “They all bring good energy. They are open to doing some new things. We’ve got different kids in different positions, we’re looking at different hitting options. I just think it’s going to make the game more fun for them, and for people to watch.”
Senior Taylor Johnson, who led the Bloodhounds with 149 kills and 45 blocks last season, is back at middle hitter, with sophomore Sydney McEntee (10 kills) backing her up. Seniors Ajia Jenkins (93 kills) and Lauryn Helmick (89 kills) are joined on the outside by sophomore Dayonna Davis (40 kills). Elle Ruble (82 kills, 192 digs) and libero Amy Yasenchok (290 digs) are also returning seniors, along with Mazie Hotop and Alexus Beebe.
Sophomore Mara Smith will be the Bloodhounds’ setter.
Junior Brylie Lorence has emerged as a versatile hitter who can play the outside and the middle.
“She’s worked well at all of the hitting positions,” Knustrom said.
Knustrom likes the chemistry of her team.
“I’m excited to watch them play,” she said. “It’s a good core group.”
The Bloodhounds will be tested at the Skip Anderson Tournament in Bondurant this weekend. They’re in the same pool group with Holy Trinity, Ames, and Bondurant-Farrar.
“What I like about this tournament is we’re guaranteed six matches,” Knustrom said. “We’re going to see some really good competition there, and we’re going to learn a lot about ourselves.”
Knustrom knows what she has seen so far.
“I see some new things,” she said, “and it’s really fun for me to watch. And I think the fans are going to enjoy watching them, too.”
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