Team Profile: Bishop Brossart Seeks Redemption

In the three seasons since returning to the alma mater, Bishop Brossart has averaged between a sound 23 and 24 wins against 12 losses under Danielle French's guidance.   The 'Stangs entered the postseason with hopes of another drive to the region championship after finishing 10th Region runner-up in 2024. However, Calvary Christian dashed those hopes in the 37th District semifinals with a stunning 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-13) win on the way to the 10th Region semifinals, leaving the 'Stangs with something left to prove this season, as French said.   The good news is Bishop Brossart only graduates two players off last year's 24-11 team in defensive specialist Payton Marshall and outside hitter Madison Dozier, leaving the 'Stangs as perhaps the deepest team in the 10th Region and therefore, the preseason region favorite. Bishop Brossart. The 'Stangs last won the region in 2022. French acknowledged getting over the roadblock against Scott as a key. Scott has won six in a row in the series, including all three meetings in 2024 on the way to consecutive region crowns and three straight 37th District championships.   The numbers for open gyms have been steadily climbing as club season enters the final phase. Some returning players joined for the first time last week.   Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='484451' first='Aubrey' last='Rebholz'] is the lone holdover from the 2022 region championship team, stepping in to set when the senior setter went down. Senior 6-2 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='515259' first='Callie' last='Ritter'] is back after putting together three strong seasons and senior [player_tooltip player_id='832519' first='Hailey' last='Heitker'] gives the team a nice outside hitter presence. Senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='569742' first='Josie' last='Reckner'] has also seen siginificant action on varsity since her freshman campaign.   Two talented six-rotation sophomores return in [player_tooltip player_id='885299' first='Evelyn' last='Laker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='885509' first='Emma' last='Sheanshang'] with junior [player_tooltip player_id='587827' first='Grace' last='Frommeyer'] anchoring the back row at libero. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='988769' first='Claire' last='Decker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='732580' first='Leah' last='Robinson'] return to give the 'Stangs depth at middle blocker. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='912039' first='Jayna' last='Wilson'] can step into set or even play on the pins with freshman [player_tooltip player_id='891600' first='Audrey' last='Arnold'] playing in the middle or outside.   The season begins Aug. 17 at home against Dayton. The varsity start time is 7:30 p.m.   Players to Watch    Decker (pictured) aims to give the 'Stangs another steady presence in the middle, especially when other middles are out of the game or in the back row. Decker displays a quick arm swing. She can also tip balls off blocks for big points. An improved attack rhythm is a nice next step for Decker. Decker said she is looking forward to meeting the new players and seeing how things shape out with the team.     Laker's versatility is taking even bigger steps this club season after Laker jumped from the 13-1 team in 2025 to the 15-1 team this club season for NKYVC. Laker said she's focused on vertical and streangth training so she can smack balls with a more downward trajectory. That has shown during club season. Laker is also finding ways to hit around big blocks. She stays on an even keel on the court. Laker said working together more as a team will help the 'Stangs take some next steps.     Rebholz decided not to play club this spring and said that has helped her rekindle her competitive drive, adding she might not try as hard as she has if she was burned out. Rebholz has been through a number of different situations on the court and hopes to help the younger players through them when they come in addition to showing them the ropes of varsity play. Rebholz consistently makes the right decisions where to set balls and has added in fakes to draw blockers away from various teammates. Rebholz is also a sound defender. She makes good first touches.     Ritter's aggressive play in the front row goes a long way for the 'Stangs and the hope is to finish off her career even stronger. Ritter led the state in blocks last year with using a highly aggressive approach. Ritter did struggle getting outside and closing blocks against solid athletes last year, but Ritter said her swing blocking has improved and that's helped take the team defense to a higher level. Ritter has turned into a highlight reel. She has a great vertical jump and has developed a tough jam shot, making things difficult on highly-skilled defensive specialists. Ritter takes big rips on ones and gap shots and uses her off (left) hand to tip balls away from stunned opponents. Ritter said her swing blocking has improved     Heitker's play helped free up hitting lanes for her teammates. Heitker does a great job ripping seams and standing strong with her blocking form. Heitker has a nice arm swing and sound ball control. She makes good adjustments to hit balls to the sides if not over blocks to open parts of the court. Heitker tips over blocks and pushes balls to various parts of the court. Heitker said the players do a good job accepting their roles from the beginning, adding things click and the momentum stays up the rest of the game.    Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. 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In the three seasons since returning to the alma mater, Bishop Brossart has averaged between a sound 23 and 24 wins against 12 losses under Danielle French's guidance.