KELLOGG — With a new coach and loaded roster, the Kellogg High School volleyball team is poised to return to the state tournament. 

Last season was a tumultuous one for the Lady Wildcats. Despite winning a ton of matches, and the league championship, Kellogg got stunned at the district tournament, dropping back-to-back matches for the first time — at the worst time — all season and ending their season.

This year, things have changed. Head coach Hollie Yrjana is back after eight seasons and is returning eight of 13 players from last year’s Central Idaho League champions.  

“The team had a great season last year but came up short in districts,” Yrjana said. “I know the players were extremely disappointed with that.”

She would know, since two of her daughters, sophomore, Ella, and junior, Paige Yrjana were vital pieces of that rotation.  

Returning all-league selections Paige, along with fellow junior, Jordyn Stutzke, and the program’s lone senior, Dani Henrickson, will guide a talented team of sophomores and freshmen through a brutal schedule that includes two tournaments, non-conference matchups with Timberlake, Bonners Ferry and Wallace, before settling into the grind of CIL travel and play.  

“I want to teach the girls to know the game and be able to outthink their opponents,” Yrjana said. “We don’t have any 6-foot players, we will need to be faster and smarter than our opponents. It will probably take a bit to get used to doing things differently, but they will get used to it and I think we will be very strong mid-season and dominant by the end.”

Kellogg has been steadily growing as a volleyball hub, with youth and club teams consistently playing throughout the year. Many of the girls on this year’s squad are a product of that system who have gone on to play on high-level traveling teams.  

“Most of our players spent the off-season playing club volleyball and it shows,” Yrjana said. “Their dedication and passion for the game are exciting. Last year there were several freshmen on the team who are now seasoned and ready to compete. We really have a solid team.”  

The Central Idaho League championship is probably Kellogg’s to lose, but Priest River and Grangeville figure to be sturdy challenges, especially during the district tournament. But Yrjana has bigger goals than a district championship.  

“Priest River has some great defense and will put up a great fight and Grangeville seems to always have some amazing athletes to contend with,” Yrjana said. “If the Wildcats do not make it to state this year disappointment will be an understatement."

PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATION: The Lady Wildcats rip off a dominant run to the CIL league and district championship. They are viable 3A contenders.