After helping Hesston return to the Class 3A state volleyball tournament last season, A.J. Reiff is ready to take the next step.
The junior setter is looking forward to another season with the Swathers, especially the opportunity to play in front of the home crowd and alongside her closest teammates.
“I am super excited to get started again!” Reiff said. “I think I am most excited to play some home games this season and compete with my best friends at a high level.”
Reiff spent the offseason preparing for another productive campaign. She played extensive club volleyball, attended college camps and put in countless hours of workouts and skill development.
“I have also done many workouts and gotten lots of touches,” Reiff said.
Now, Reiff is focused on refining her game. She wants to improve her accuracy when setting the pins while also becoming more aggressive from the service line.
“This season, I want to continue working on my accuracy to the pins, as well as becoming more aggressive with my serves to put more pressure on the opponents’ back row,” she said.
Reiff enters the season with plenty of momentum after a standout sophomore campaign. She finished with 723 assists, 229 digs, 75 kills and 36 aces while helping Hesston reach the state tournament.
Her performance earned her a spot on the 2025 State All-Tournament Team, KVA All-State Second Team, First Team KVA All-Academic Team and First Team Central Kansas League. Reiff was also recognized on the Class 3A state all-tournament team following Hesston’s return to the state tournament.
Reiff’s 723 assists were a major part of Hesston’s success as the Swathers made their first state appearance since 2018. She surpassed 1,000 career assists during the season.
This year, however, Reiff has her sights set on an even bigger finish.
“One of my biggest goals this season is to make it to Day 2 of State,” she said. “Last year, we made it to State, but this year I want to finish with a medal!”
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