Though all sports at Allen are proving to be successful this fall, one team that is doing exceptionally well is the volleyball team. Coach Jessica Peters started with high hopes for her team of five sophomores and seven freshman, and her team continues to succeed.The season started off inconsistently with a loss to Butler, a win against Independence, an inconsistent weekend at the Highland Tournament with two wins and two losses, a loss to Highland, and a 1-3 record at a tournament in Marshalltown, Iowa. Coach Peters considered her team to be on a “roller-coaster.” With hard work and dedication, the Red Devils were determined to get on a winning streak. Allen then went on a 7-0 tear. Coach Peters stated, “This season has been an exciting one to coach. The success came early for us and we were able to capitalize on it o create major win runs as a program.”

The seven wins came against North Eastern Oklahoma, Hesston, going 4-0 at the Allen Tournament, and defeating Longview. The next game was against Kansas City Kansas Community College. After a hard fought battle, Allen fell to KCK in five games, losing the fifth game 13-15. Next, Allen took three wins against Bacone, Fort Scott, and NEO and went 2-2 in the Coffeyville Tournament. Lastly, Allen defeated conference team Coffeyville, and is preparing for the Neosho County Community College Tournament.

Co-captain Sarah Charbonneau put it simply: “Our team has great chemistry.”

This is proving true with the recognition the volleyball program is already getting. This year’s team is not only getting player recognition but is in the running to get votes for being in the top 20 Division II Community College teams in the nation.

Peters said, “This season has a few firsts for Allen volleyball. For the first time in the programs history since I became head coach in 2007 we are receiving votes at the national level to be named a top 20 Division II program. We also have a healthy winning record with a lot of season left, providing more opportunities for success. Plus, we have already had athletes receiving honors at the Conference and National levels.”

Assistant Coach Whitney Falkenstien added, “This year’s team is working very hard in the gym, and it is now paying off. This team is making history as we have already had all-tournament team players, all conference player recognition, as well as national recognition for our record.”

Peters concluded, “I consider myself such a lucky person when I get to tell people I am a collegiate volleyball coach. This opportunity is one that is never the same from year to year. It is a never ending job as far as the recruiting, scheduling, traveling, planning, teaching, developing aspects go, but the impact that I get to make on young, beautiful, successful women means more than any win/loss record. I am an influence and hope it is a positive one, not only to the volleyball team but any student athlete that comes to Allen.”