By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
Bishop LeBlond volleyball has been, historically, quite successful.
Ten district titles in the last 12 years. Twelve of the last 13 seasons ending with 20-plus wins.
And yet, 2021 stands out among the rest. The Eagles became the first high school program in St. Joseph city history to reach a state championship match.
"It was so fun," senior middle Paige Perry said of the experience. "It was just even better with my team. I know we're so proud of what we accomplished and I know we're trying to bring that back this season."
LeBlond fell in straight sets to Hermann in the Class 2 state title match in Cape Girardeau last November - a Hermann program that's made the Final Four six straight years and has won state five times since 2010 alone.
Kim Huss enters her 18th season as head volleyball coach at LeBlond. She believes the Eagles return enough talent to make another run toward the Final Four.
"We finished with a really young team," Huss said of last season. "And we were starting a lot of sophomores and juniors who are back this year, and we get to go again with them. We know we're losing a couple of seniors who contributed, but we also know we're bringing back some statistical leaders."
Senior Sadie Ward is the lead returning attacker, tallying 267 kills and 67 ace serves last year. She also had 348 digs - second most for the Eagles in 2021.
"I'm excited," Ward said. "I hope we get back (to the Final Four), but obviously, we can't think too much ahead. You have to focus on every game, and fight to take it back."
Perry is back, along with junior and fellow middle blocker Maddie Sego. The two combined for 114 total blocks last season.
"I think we're pretty confident," Perry said. "I just know we need to stay humble, because if we get too cocky, we're not going to get very far."
Kyla Conard, now a junior, was the lead setter last season with 696 assists, though senior Abbey Konz will be in the mix there as well. Konz was the starting setter during her sophomore year, but missed her junior season in 2021 due to injury.
The now graduated Emily Welter was the go-to libero, but with 338 serves received and 348 digs last year, Ward can be a contender there.
However she contributes, Ward has one clear goal in mind.
"Obviously getting back (to the state title match)," she said. "I really hope...I mean, winning state would be amazing, but just going back would be awesome, too."
Whatever happens this season, Huss says her team has lots to be proud of, seeing as LeBlond is still the only volleyball program in St. Joseph history to even reach a Final Four. The Eagles have done it now three times since 2012.
"They're going to be able to hold their heads high for awhile," Huss said of her current group, "because they're only team in St. Joe to ever play in state volleyball championship. So, we want to get back there obviously. That's the goal, but I do think there's a lot of things along the way. It's not even something we've talked a lot about."
This season marks Huss's 18th as LeBlond's head volleyball coach and her second as principal. She's busy in the fall no doubt, and she's coached in some high pressure matches. Yet, the volleyball court is where Huss feels the most at ease.
"I always tell people that this two hours in the gym every day is the most relaxing and enjoyable part of my day," Huss said. "Any time in the gym watching volleyball is great. Going to coaching clinics and things like that. So, I put a lot into this program and I can't let it go yet."
For the seniors on Huss's roster who will part ways with the program after this season, they'd like nothing more than to take it one step further and deliver a title for their coach and school.
"(Coach Huss) likes to treat us like family," Ward said. "Obviously, she pushes us hard. She wants to get back (to the title) too I assume. So, hopefully, we give it our all."
LeBlond will take part in the city jamboree on August 23 and then host Rock Port on August 29 to officially open the season.
You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.