Kaela Neie, Bushland volleyball, Sr.
On the court: Neie has picked up where she left off and then some to start the 2022 volleyball season for the two-time defending state champion Bushland Lady Falcons. Neie helped lead Bushland to a perfect 4-0 mark to win the Frenship Tournament on Friday and Saturday nabbing wins over Abilene Wylie, Randall, Lubbock-Cooper and Shallowater. Over those four games the senior outside hitter totaled 58 kills, averaging 14.5 kills per game, adding three blocks. On the season Neie has already compiled 255 kills for a Lady Falcons team that is off to a 19-4 start.
Coach Jason Culpepper: Kaela started this year off much better than she did a year ago at this time. I love the way she has been playing. She’s playing at a very high level and are middle blockers are doing a great job of creating opportunities for her and the hitters to get these chances that Kaela has taken advantage of. She’s big a huge presence on the court in every game we’ve played. Her confidence is growing, and I just want to see her continue to improve.”
Neie: “I think we’ve played well to start the year and that’s led us to some big wins already and we’re just getting better. This team is extremely close like a family which has really been good for us, and It’s really helped me. My vertical is where I’d say I’ve most improved from last year. I’m jumping higher and swinging harder than I ever have and that has really shown a difference. My goal is just to be a great teammate and help us get better each week and get back to state once again.”
About Neie
Favorite band or musician: Lil Peep
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Yossiana Pressley (Baylor volleyball)
Bet you didn’t know: Reading is one of her favorite things to do.
Parents: Carl and Kendra Neie.
