Multiple Blue Valley West volleyball players named Hy-Vee 41 Five-Star Athletes of the Week

Blue Valley West Volleyball is having another outstanding year following their championship run from a year ago. 

 

Three Blue Valley West Seniors: Madison Lilley, Peyton Uhlenhake and Chloe Ennis have helped lead the team to a 39-0 record and hope to end their careers with back-to-back state championships. 

 

"We're excited to play state this weekend and hopefully get another state title," Senior Outside Hitter Peyton Uhlenhake said. "I think we have the talent and the drive to do it. It's just staying in it in our heads."

 

Potentially winning back-to-back titles is a great accomplishment. 

 

"Last year was my first year here as a Head Coach. So, I came in and I thought we had the talent to possibly [win another title] at the beginning of [this year]. As, the year went on, I definitely realized, this team has what it takes," said Jaguars head coach Jessica Kopp said. "They're focused. They're diligent. They come in every day and they do what I ask them to do. They could win this thing."

 

Chloe remembers how last year's state championship went. She definitely wants to experience the joy of winning-it-all again.

 

"The first experience was so great. So, I'd like to be able to go back again. It's just an amazing feeling," Senior Defensive Specialist Chloe Ennis said."

 

This Friday, the Jaguars look to continue that unbeaten streak when they face Shawnee Mission Northwest. 40 wins is a tough feat for any team, let alone a team that may start to feel the pressure of not losing a game. Senior Setter Madison Lilley knows that in order to continue pressing forward, it takes unbelievable determination.

 

"We have been working as team like no other," says Lilley. "[At] our team dinners, we get to know each other and how we work on and off the court. And, I think it's just played a really big role in how we cope when we're down."

 

Lilley is considered one of the best players in the nation. She played as a member of the USA Junior Nationals team. Lilley helped that team win the silver medal in the U18 World Championships this past summer. She will continue her volleyball career at the University of Kentucky in the fall. Peyton will play volleyball at Arkansas State. Chloe is still undecided. Coach Kopp is certainly excited for all three young ladies going forth in their college careers. 

 

"I see Peyton definitely going out and having a really great career at Arkansas State. She's a very dynamic player. She has a really high vertical. And, she works really hard at what she does," Jessica said. "I think Chloe is gonna have a really successful college career, or whatever she decides to do. She's a great kid, a really hard worker in everything that she does. And, I'm just really proud of these three kids that we have as Seniors and how they've worked for the last four years."

 

NOTE: The Hy-Vee 41 Five-Star Athlete of the Week segment airs every Thursday night during the 10 p.m. sportscast for the entire school year.