2022-23 Wolves Volleyball Season Recap

2022-23 Wolves Volleyball Season Recap

The MCC Wolves volleyball team captured the Championship of Region 16 with a win over East Central College in a thrilling 5 set victory: 27-25, 25-21, 21-25, 20-25, 15-8. The Wolves earned a berth in the Region Championship match earlier by defeating St. Louis Community College in 3 sets.

Six members of the team were recognized for All-Region Honors, including Olivia Williams (1st team), Madison Ellis (1st team), Kyra Mueller (1st team), Kylie Gharst (1st team), Autumn Hearn (2nd Team), and Kealyn Wilkinson (2nd team). Olivia Williams was awarded Region 16 Player of the Year, and Coach Rob Kaleikau was awarded Region 16 Coach of the Year.

Unranked throughout the season, the Wolves victory in the Region 16 Championship gave them one more match in the postseason to earn a spot in the NJCAA National Tournament. The opponent in the District match was #7 Kirkwood Community College, a team that had defeated the Wolves in 3 sets earlier in the season. The rematch with Kirkwood for the District title proved to be a much closer contest, with the Wolves gaining the advantage by winning the first two games 25-17, 25-21, only to lose the next 3 games (and the match) 12-25, 17-25, 9-15.

Four of the 2022 Wolves team are looking to move on to continue their academics and athletic pursuits at 4-year schools. Kyra Mueller has signed with William Woods University, while Madison Ellis, Rachel Kittell and Kylie Gharst have yet to make their destination final.

Congratulations Wolves! Tough schedule from start to finish, but the progress and strong finish was truly an accomplishment. Kaleikau shares this season's Coach of the Year award with Wolves first year Assistant Coach Rebekka Hepford. Both coaches are grateful to the Lee's Summit Community Center management, Trainer John Donnell, a great group of parents, and the MCC Athletic department administration for their support throughout the season.

WAY TO FINISH WOLVES!