Kansas 2023

[bluepenquin]

Kansas Jayhawks are coming off a 19-11 season where they finished #23 according to Pablo.  The team loses 3 starters from last year's team (Langs, Szabo, and Dooley).

I am guessing their roster isn't complete yet - but here is what we have for now.

Setter:
Camryn Turner (JR)
Katie Dalton (SO)

Outside:
Caroline Bien (JR)
Ayah Elnady (JR)
Rhian Swanson (SO)

Opposite:
London Davis (JR)
Ally Humberd (FR)

Middle:
Kim Whetstone (SR)
Kaiti Parks (JR)
Ellie Schneider (FR)
Aisha Aiono (FR)

Libero/DS:
Kennedy Farris (SR+)
Brynn Kirsch (SO)
Molly Schultz (SR)
Reagan Burns (FR)
Bryn McGehe (SO)
Molly McCarthy (SO)

[bluepenquin]

To me - the team looks strong at every position except middle.

Davis should be fine replacing Szabo on the right side.

Swanson had an impact coming off the bench late in the season.

Looks like Kennedy Farris coming back for her 5th year - and really played well of last year. Kirsch could push her for the Libero position and then the addition of Burns should help.

It is the middle where the current concern lies. I am still thinking that a graduate MB will be transferring in (there is a great need). It doesn't look like Gracie Van Driel is using her 5th year (I think she would have helped this team). I expect Freshman Ellie Schneider to start - she made Volleyball Mags HS 1st team all american list. It is finding another starter that is in question. Whetstone has played very little in first 3 years with Kansas. I just see an obvious need for a MB transfer this year.

And ideally - the transfer is a grad - one year transfer like Dooley last year. The 2024 class is bringing a couple MB in Reese Ptacek and Zoey Burgess. Burgess made Volleball Mags 2nd team HS all american list as a junior. The future for the Jayhawks at this position is bright - they just need a one player gap for 2023.

[Deleted]

Nice work blue. Big fan of Bechard.

[buttery]

Anyone know anything about Ally Humberd? This must’ve been a late addition since it wasn’t in the press release on the 2023 signing class.

I wonder if Aiono will play as a freshman, assuming there isn’t a MB grad transfer.

I feel like I’m more optimistic for 2024 when the great signing class that bluepenguin has highlighted comes in. You’ll have Bien/Nelson as OH, more seasoned MBs, London Davis as opposite and a great setter in Turner.

[bluepenquin]

Jan 29, 2023 14:46:02 GMT -5 buttery said:

Anyone know anything about Ally Humberd? This must’ve been a late addition since it wasn’t in the press release on the 2023 signing class.

I wonder if Aiono will play as a freshman, assuming there isn’t a MB grad transfer.

I feel like I’m more optimistic for 2024 when the great signing class that bluepenguin has highlighted comes in. You’ll have Bien/Nelson as OH, more seasoned MBs, London Davis as opposite and a great setter in Turner.

Humberd surprised me.  I didn't know about her before this week - and from what I can tell she announced her commitment to Kansas in February 2022 - long before formally announcing their 2023 class.  Sounds like she graduated HS in 2022, but isn't going to KU until now?  At a minimum - they need another body if they want to run a 6-2 at any point next year.  

I am very much looking forward to watching these future players at Triple Crown next month.  I will get to see Aiono. 

There is still hope for Whetstone - she was an outstanding club player and fairly highly regarded recruit.  Very much enjoyed watching her in club.

[anOPINionATEDbeACH(hookemboo)]

Jan 27, 2023 11:26:49 GMT -5 bluepenquin said:

To me - the team looks strong at every position except middle.

Davis should be fine replacing Szabo on the right side.

Swanson had an impact coming off the bench late in the season.

Looks like Kennedy Farris coming back for her 5th year - and really played well of last year. Kirsch could push her for the Libero position and then the addition of Burns should help.

It is the middle where the current concern lies. I am still thinking that a graduate MB will be transferring in (there is a great need). It doesn't look like Gracie Van Driel is using her 5th year (I think she would have helped this team). I expect Freshman Ellie Schneider to start - she made Volleyball Mags HS 1st team all american list. It is finding another starter that is in question. Whetstone has played very little in first 3 years with Kansas. I just see an obvious need for a MB transfer this year.

And ideally - the transfer is a grad - one year transfer like Dooley last year. The 2024 class is bringing a couple MB in Reese Ptacek and Zoey Burgess. Burgess made Volleball Mags 2nd team HS all american list as a junior. The future for the Jayhawks at this position is bright - they just need a one player gap for 2023.

Ehhh, really? I feel like they should go after a terminal/ experienced outside hitter. The Big12 will be a lot tougher next year with Texas/ Baylor/ TCU reloading along with BYU, Houston, & UCF joining. & the Alnady/ Bien duo never really clicked to me.

[Jayhawks18]

To me KU has a chance to be very good, however like you mentioned they need to pick up a MB. I have seen film on all the freshman coming in at middle this year and non of them are very impressive. Do we know if KU is going after anyone right now for this year?

[bluepenquin]

Jan 30, 2023 11:40:35 GMT -5 Jayhawks18 said:

To me KU has a chance to be very good, however like you mentioned they need to pick up a MB. I have seen film on all the freshman coming in at middle this year and non of them are very impressive. Do we know if KU is going after anyone right now for this year?

I do not know that KU is actively recruiting a transfer for this year, but I don't know how they couldn't.  They have the least amount of experience of any P5 school at MB.  There would have to be someone that would help.

As for film that is out there - I will disagree on Ellie Schnieder.  I think she can play in the B12.  I don't know that she will be as good as Dooley was last year, but she looks like a similar player to me.

[Jayhawks18]

Anyone know what KU spring schedule is looking like?

[bluepenquin]

Kansas with a commitment today - sure would be nice if it is a MB transfer.

[bluepenquin]

Mykayla Myers from TCU for 1 year.

A much needed MB.

[jwvolley]

Feb 9, 2023 16:51:20 GMT -5 bluepenquin said:

Kansas with a commitment today - sure would be nice if it is a MB transfer.

Another day, another middle not going to Pitt lolol

[devilhorns24]

Feb 9, 2023 16:56:22 GMT -5 bluepenquin said:

Mykayla Myers from TCU for 1 year.

A much needed MB.

oooh i like her a lot for KU.

[bucky415]

I have confidence Ray will have them good again in 2023! In painful memories for me, KU is 2-0 versus Wisconsin, beating a team that made the Final 8 in 2004 and one that made the National Final in 2013.

[bluepenquin]

With the current roster - Myers will be one of the starting MB. I would describe her as durable, consistent, reliable. That would likely put Whetstone and Schneider battling for the other spot.

This team will be decidedly smaller than last year - particularly if Whetstone wins the job - in fact they would be a very short team with the entire front row being under 6-2. Maybe increased quickness will allow them to run a faster offense?