Wichita Northwest volleyball enters the upcoming season with a young roster and plenty of opportunity.
The Grizzlies graduated six seniors from last season, leaving the program with several new faces and a chance for younger players to grow into larger roles.
“This upcoming season will be a rebuilding year for our program after graduating six seniors,” Northwest coach DeJanae Bridwell said. “We will have several new faces bringing fresh energy, and they will experience tremendous growth throughout the season.”
Among the key returners are junior middle blocker Johanna Fountain and sophomore Rylee Triplett, two players Bridwell will rely on as the season progresses.
Fountain is coming off a breakout sophomore season after spending her freshman year on the junior varsity team. The experience helped her adjust to the speed and demands of high school volleyball before making her mark at the varsity level.
“Johanna is a freakishly dynamic middle blocker with tremendous potential to continue growing and dominating at a high level,” Bridwell said.
Fountain quickly established herself as a presence at the net, combining a strong blocking game with powerful attacks. Her athleticism also allows her to attack from behind the 10-foot line at times, adding another dimension to the Grizzlies’ offense.
Her competitiveness and work ethic have made her one of the players to watch as Northwest begins a new chapter.
Triplett also enters the season with valuable varsity experience despite being just a sophomore.
She first caught the coaching staff’s attention during summer open gyms because of her confidence, willingness to improve and coachability. Like Fountain, Triplett initially spent time developing at the junior varsity level.
An opportunity came during the middle of the 2025-26 season when injuries opened a spot on the varsity roster.
“When her number was called, she embraced the challenge and held her own with confidence and composure,” Bridwell said.
Triplett appeared in 27 varsity sets and finished with 37 kills on 112 attacks, a .223 hitting percentage and 1.4 kills per set. She also had 12 total attack errors.
Now, Fountain and Triplett will be counted on for more than their play on the court. With a young roster taking shape, their experience will be important as Northwest works to build confidence and develop its identity.
“Returners Johanna Fountain (Jr.) and Rylee Triplett (So.) will play a key role in helping our younger athletes navigate the pressures and expectations of varsity volleyball,” Bridwell said.
For Northwest, the season will be about more than wins and losses. Bridwell hopes to see a group of individuals develop into a cohesive team while setting goals and working toward them throughout the season.
“I am excited to watch this group grow into one cohesive unit and see all they accomplish throughout the year,” Bridwell said. “As a goal-oriented coach, one of my favorite parts of the season is setting goals and encouraging our student-athletes to work toward achieving them in every practice and every match.”
The message to the young Grizzlies is simple: Embrace the challenges that come with being part of a varsity program.
“I tell my girls all the time: it’s a blessing to feel pressure,” Bridwell said. “Let it motivate you and help shape you into the student-athlete you aspire to become.”
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