Lonnie Rinell is set to begin his first season as the head volleyball coach this fall. He inherits a team with a strong veteran presence.

“I am excited to get the season started,” said Rinell. “We have had some great practices in preseason so far and the team is working hard. We are excited to see our work translate to games next week.”

The Prairie Fire volleyball program returns 13 players and welcomes four newcomers. Maya McEwen, Peyton Balfour, Emme Patton, Allie Dockins, Caroline Wolters, Emma Curry, Abbie Layne, Chiho Okada, Loraya Rocha, and Olivia Hukel all saw significant time on the court last season. Molly Biggs should also bring experience to the floor after sitting out last year. Emme Patton led the team in digs and Balfour led the team in total blocks in 2022. Layne finished second on the team in kills last fall.

Volleyball will open at home with Blackburn on September 12.