The 2026 volleyball season is one final opportunity for Abilene’s Josie Keener to take the court alongside teammates who have been part of her life for years.
“I am most excited to play with my senior teammates,” Keener said. “We have all played this sport together since we were young kids, and we have unbelievable chemistry.”
That chemistry could be one of Abilene’s biggest strengths as the Cowgirls look to take the next step this season.
Keener, a libero, returns after a strong junior campaign in which she recorded 317 digs, 23 aces and 35 assists. Her performance earned her second-team all-league honors, and she was the only libero selected to either the first or second team.
Now, Keener wants to use her final season to help lead Abilene to the state tournament.
“Some goals I have for the team are to be placed high in our league, and make it to state,” Keener said. “We have had a tough league every year, but I feel like we have what it takes to make our presence known.”
The Cowgirls came close to reaching state last season, falling one match short against Andale. Andale went on to win the state championship, giving Keener and her teammates confidence that they can compete with some of the best teams in the state.
“Last year, we were one game away from making it to state, and we were matched up with Andale, who ended up winning the title,” Keener said. “We can compete at such a high level with this team.”
Keener spent the offseason preparing herself to make an even bigger impact.
She consistently worked out on her own or with her brother, concentrating on plyometric exercises designed to improve her athleticism. She also attended a camp at McPherson College hosted by Revive Performance, where she finished as the top performer.
Her offseason also included a full travel volleyball season, along with softball during the spring and summer.
“I workout consistently either by myself or with my brother, focusing on athletic plyometrics,” Keener said. “Further developing my athleticism is always the goal.”
While Keener already has established herself as one of Abilene’s top defensive players, she identified one area she wants to sharpen this season: her reflexes.
She has focused on explosive exercises and quick-footwork drills to help her react faster, particularly on plays where a ball changes direction after touching a block.
“This year, I want to improve my reflexes,” Keener said. “I want to be able to make quicker plays, especially when there is a touch on a block and I need to make a quick adjustment.”
With her final season approaching, Keener also understands that her role extends beyond statistics.
She wants to be a vocal leader for the Cowgirls while setting an example for the younger players in the program.
“The main goal for myself is to reach 500 digs pretty quickly into the season,” Keener said. “I also want to be a vocal leader, as well as lead by example. I want the younger classes to look up to me; to view me as a positive influence.”
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