The Abilene High School volleyball team enters the 2026 season with a veteran core and a belief that it can build on last year’s progress.
The Cowgirls finished 18-19 last season after going 12-23 the year before, and head coach Jade Koch believes the team’s six seniors will play a major role in taking another step forward.
“We are going into our season with one of the strongest senior classes I have ever coached,” Koch said.
Three of those seniors — Josie Keener, Lola Rock and Annie Watie — return as starters. Keener earned first-team North Central Kansas League honors as a libero, while Rock was an NCKL honorable mention selection as an outside hitter. Watie also returns as an outside hitter.
Sloan McCullough saw significant playing time as a junior, while setters Timber Taylor and Ryleigh Farson were dominant contributors on the junior varsity team.
“These girls helped our team go from a 12-23 finish the season before, to an 18-19 finish last season,” Koch said. “These girls exhibit our core values of commitment, effort, and teamwork every day in practice and truly lead by example on the court.”
Keener and Rock give Abilene two experienced players to build around.
Keener recorded 317 digs last season, averaging 4.2 digs per set while playing in 75 of the team’s 85 sets. She missed 10 sets because of an injury. Her ability to read the court and anticipate plays helped anchor the Cowgirls’ defense.
“Her ability to see the court and read on defense keeps us in so many matches and contribute greatly to our team’s successes,” Koch said.
Rock also brings significant production and energy to the lineup. She recorded 203 kills and 230 digs as a junior while playing all six rotations.
“Her presence on the court is unmatched,” Koch said. “She brings all the energy and excitement and leads by example with her effort and attitude on the court.”
Abilene will also rely on a pair of juniors in the middle. Klovis Stover returns after contributing last season, while Brinley Zook will take on a starting role. At 6 feet, Stover gives the Cowgirls a strong presence at the net.
“She is the perfect first line of defense for the team,” Koch said of Stover.
Sophomore Lucy Barten also is expected to make an impact after standing out as an outside hitter on the junior varsity team last season. She moved to right side during the summer and earned an opportunity to contribute at the varsity level.
“She is consistent, strong, and will be an asset to our team this year,” Koch said.
One of the team’s most compelling stories is Farson, who is preparing for her first season as a varsity starter at setter.
Farson was a standout during summer skills and summer league before her freshman season, but an accident shortly before the school year resulted in the amputation of her lower leg. She spent her freshman season supporting the team as a manager while recovering and relearning to walk.
After returning to the court, Farson worked her way into the starting setter role on the junior varsity team for two seasons. Now, she is ready for her opportunity at the varsity level.
“Ryleigh is not one to ever complain or make excuses,” Koch said. “She shows up everyday ready to learn, ready to improve, and ready to dominate on the court.”
Koch said Farson’s determination and development have made her an example for the entire program.
“The amount of progress she has made and the amount of athleticism she exhibits is unmatched,” Koch said. “She is the epitome of the saying ‘Cowgirl Up!’”
Although Abilene may not have the biggest roster in the league, Koch believes the team’s competitiveness and determination can make up for it.
“Our team is not big in size, but they play big,” Koch said. “They have so much heart and refuse to give up. They will be so fun to watch this season.”
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