New coach leads Troy volleyball into 2025 season

The Troy Lady Trojans volleyball team enters the 2025 season with a fresh sense of energy, a new head coach and a roster full of athletic talent.

Head coach Kimmy Klin, a former Lady Trojan herself, is eager to guide the program forward.

“This season we are going to set self and team goals and if we achieve them that’s a win,” she said. “This varsity team has the ability to go far this season if they want it bad enough. With teamwork and dedication the wins will be evident on the scoreboard.”

The Lady Trojans bring 19 athletes into the program this year, a mix of experienced players and newcomers.

“The improvement from day one to now is incredible for the underclassmen and a few of the upperclassmen that haven’t played much volleyball,” Klin said. “They are an athletic group. Seven of these girls are freshmen and you can expect to see a few of them dressed out for varsity.”

Klin described her team as “scrappy and aggressive,” a group that blends well together and encourages each other on the court.

“Finding our rhythm is going to be difficult at first, but we will piece it together and we can only go up from there,” she said.

Klin praised her assistant coach, McKinzee Profit, for her role in the team’s development.

“We are putting our heads together and striving towards the same goals we can accomplish great things with these girls,” she said.

The varsity lineup features a strong core of experienced players. Junior setter Kirsti Jellesed will guide the offense.

“She is very consistent, hard working and a natural leader,” Klin said. “I expect big things from this young lady. Her positive attitude and athletic ability will help lead the team to victory.”

At the net, seniors Melissa Lafoon and Halle Wallace along with junior Addyson Fisher will provide the Trojans with firepower.

“Melissa and Addyson have the power we need at the net,” Klin said. Wallace and fellow senior Ellie Borgmann will anchor the defense with their passing skills, while Wallace will also step up as a hitter.

Sophomore Ainsley Huitron has also earned a spot in the top six.

“She’s dedicated to being the best player she can be for her team,” Klin said. “Her upbeat energy is contagious and she has the ability to keep this team hyped.”

Klin expects contributions from a number of younger players, including freshmen Shyanne Manley and Olivia Hall, who will serve as backup setters. Freshmen Kaydence Gamache and Brooklyn Bowers could also make an impact.

“Brooklyn has shown me a glimpse into the future as she will become a powerhouse hitter with more work,” Klin said.

Other players expected to provide depth include sophomore Claira Folkerts, who Klin said “keeps calm on the court,” senior Brooklyn Reid, and juniors Jelica Caldoza and Hailey Dungan.

Klin knows the Lady Trojans will face tough competition in league play but is confident her team is up for the challenge.

“I’m beyond proud to be the head coach of these girls,” she said. “The Troy atmosphere is something I’ve missed from my days as a Lady Trojan. I may have my trip-ups, but with assistant coach McKinzee Profit at my side, I believe we can accomplish and overcome most anything.”

With the support of the community, parents, and new athletic director Denneka Miller, Klin said the program has what it needs to succeed.

“It takes a village and this team definitely has the depth in that department,” she said. “I’m excited to see what this season brings. Let’s go Lady Trojans!”

Troy opens the season Sept. 4 at Darby. The Lady Trojans home opener is Sept. 18 against Eureka.