Former Lawrence High volleyball player Katy Kampschroeder will begin her senior season tonight when Kansas University plays host to the Kangaroos.
Roughly four years removed from an undefeated volleyball season her senior year at Lawrence High, Katy Kampschroeder can't believe she's about to start her senior collegiate season.
"It's gone by really fast," said Kampschroeder, a 5-foot-9 Missouri-Kansas City setter. "When you get started, you think it's going slow, but when you look back on it, it goes by so fast."
Kampschroeder is coming home to start her senior season. The Kangaroos will open against Kansas University at 7 tonight at Horejsi Family Athletics Center. It's also KU's opener.
"I'm so excited," Kampschroeder said. "There will be people coming out who normally don't come out. I know I'm only an hour away, but it's always great to come home."
A hitter in high school, Kampschroeder has emerged as the top setter in UMKC history. She holds school records in career assists (3,520) and season assists (1,310).
"I always wanted to set," she said. "Working hard got me where I am."
Kampschroeder is one of three seniors on UMKC's roster. The Kangaroos, 13-18 last season, are seeking their first winning record since going Div. I in 1987. They're 0-5 all-time against the Jayhawks.
"We expect to do well this season," Kampschroeder said. "I'm a senior so I want to do well."
Kampschroeder and her teammates spent 10 days last month in the Czech Republic, where they practiced and scrimmaged against European junior national teams.
Another highlight for Kampschroeder in the offseason was trying out for the USA National Team. That team participated in the 1999 Pan American Games and 1999 World University Games.
"It was awesome just to get invited," Kampschroeder said of the tryouts.
Kampschroeder, an accounting major, will graduate in the spring. She said she may pursue a master's degree in human resources.
"I love it here," she said. "Everything has worked out well. I'm glad I came here."
-- Steve Rottinghaus' phone message number is 832-7152. His e-mail address is srottinghaus@ljworld.com
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.