Here’s a look at the West Plains Lady Wolves heading into the 2025 volleyball season. Head coach Kaitlyn Cornelius talks about her the progression of the program entering their fourth year and how the success continues to grow. Cornelius also speaks highly on her key returners that include Kynzie Ward, Aaniyah Kitchen and Cecilia Murillo. Take a listen to Cornelius in the video at the link above.
2024 resume
Head coach: Kaitlyn Cornelius, fourth year at West Plains.
2024 Record: 31-12 overall, 13-1 in District 4-4A. Class 4A Division I regional finalist.
Returning starters: 5
Season opener: vs. Amarillo High, 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11.
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Players to Watch
Kynzie Ward, 6-foot, middle blocker, Sr.
One of the senior leaders returning from helping the Lady Wolves to a trip to the regional championship is Ward. Her size presents problems in the middle finishing the year with 83 blocks last season. On top of those numbers, the first team All-District selection used her power to drive home 271 kills with and added 56 digs.
Aaniyah Kitchen, 6-foot, middle blocker, Sr.
The Division I McNeese State commit is the perfect complement to Ward and gives head coach Kaitlyn Cornelius a dangerous combination in the middle of the court. Kitchen is a force on offense, and it showed with 370 kills last year to go with 106 digs and 96 blocks. Kitchen was also a first team All-District selection.
Cecilia Murillo, 5-6, setter, Sr.
Murillo is the glue of the offense and a big reason for the West Plains success. Quarterbacking the offense, Murillo handed out 774 assists last year and was masterful on the defensive side of the ball hitting the floor for 400 digs. The second team All-District selection could also serve finishing the year with 42 aces.