Grace Zeller didn’t need a reminder of how close Wabaunsee High School had been. For two straight years, the Chargers’ season ended just one game short of the State Tournament, each loss lingering a little longer than the last. Heading into her junior season, that memory wasn’t a burden, it was fuel.
“The thing that motivated me most this season, and I think my whole team, was the intense desire to get to the State Tournament. We fell short the last two years, just barely losing our Substate Championship games. So making our way to the top was everything to me. We fought for it and earned it.”
Zeller, a multi-sport athlete competing in volleyball, basketball, and track, has built her reputation on versatility and resilience. But it was on the basketball court where her leadership and growth stood out most this year. Playing for a small-school program that dropped from 2A to 1A, depth was limited, and endurance became essential.
“Playing basketball for Wabaunsee means a lot to me. We are generally a 2A school, but dropped down to 1A this year because of our size. Since my freshman year, we’ve always had about 12 girls on the team. Injuries and illnesses are a big struggle with that small of a team, so I’ve learned and trained to play an entire game with minimum rest. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though. I love playing with all of my teammates, who are really just my best friends. Playing with them means everything.”
That bond carried Wabaunsee through the postseason. In the Substate Championship against Troy, the Chargers broke through, securing their long-awaited trip to state. What followed was a deep run that ended in the championship game against Little River, a moment that reflected both the team’s growth and its unity.
“Some of the biggest highlights for me were the Substate Championship game and the State Tournament games. We played our final Substate game against Troy and it was an amazing feeling for our team and all of our supporters to be State bound. We then made it to the Championship game against Little River. So making it that far with all of our town and fans on the road with us was amazing.”
Zeller credits much of her development to the influence of her coaches, particularly head coach Jared Schultz and her club coach, Tony Ingram. Since Schultz’s arrival during her sophomore year, her game has taken a noticeable leap.
“The biggest influences on my game are my Head Coach at Wabaunsee, Jared Schultz, and my club coach, Tony Ingram. They have both developed me into the player I am. Coach Schultz only came in my sophomore year, but he’s improved my game and our team’s style of play a lot.”
Under Schultz, Zeller refined key elements of her game, transforming into a more complete offensive threat while maintaining a strong defensive presence.
“My coach, Jared Schultz, has certainly developed me into a better player these past 2 years. He was all about learning to play off of 2 feet, and that changed the game for me- I was stronger in the lane. He also worked on developing a jumper with me, and that has become one of my biggest scoring threats. He is a great coach who values fast paced ball, intense defense, and hard work ethic.”
The season wasn’t without its challenges. Injuries forced the team to adjust on the fly, testing both depth and mental toughness. For Zeller, staying focused on the bigger picture made all the difference.
“When we lost a starting player to injury this year, our team had to go through some big adjustments. The thing that continued to motivate me was keeping my ultimate goal in mind, which was to make it to the top. My love for the game is also a constant motive, so getting to play like I have these past years has been a blessing.”
Off the court, her support system has remained just as steady. From her parents’ consistent presence in the stands to the energy of her younger brothers, Zeller has never had to look far for encouragement.
“My family has been so supportive. I have two younger brothers who are my loudest cheerleaders. And my mom and dad have always found a way in their busy schedules to watch every game. In the lows and highs of the season, they were always there to support me.”
For Zeller, the journey to the State Tournament wasn’t just about wins or accolades, it was about perseverance, growth, and the people who made it meaningful. And after finally breaking through, the standard has been set even higher heading into her senior year.
