Wellington’s Kami Reichenberger

Kami Reichenberger of Wellington was voted the Wichita Small School Preseason Girls Tennis Player of the Year. Reichenberger took eighth in the singles competition at the 4A Tournament a year ago. She finished with a record of 21-15.

“Since this is my final year, I want to get the most out of the upcoming season,” Reichenberger said. “I aim to return to state in the top singles position and finish at least in the top eight.”

Being a sound mental player is something Reichenberger thinks is the most important in tennis. She has tried to work hard on this.

“My mental game suffers when I make error after error,” Reichenberger said. “So the most him important thing is to simply be happy.”

From a tactical standpoint, Reichenberger said she has many strengths, which have led her to being one of the top players in Class 4A.

“I would think that moving the ball, being swift, not rushing the point, as well as being intimidating by coming into the net are some of my strengths,” Reichenberger said.

Next year, Reichenberger plans to attend Fort Hays State University and has expressed an interest in running track, rather than playing tennis. She wants to study business or accounting.

Buhler High School head coach Deedra Emel fields a young team this season, but that is not stopping the Lady Crusaders from competing against a tough schedule.

“We will be young this season with seven underclassmen on the varsity roster. This team is high energy and hardworking. We are looking forward to a lot of growth this season,” said coach Emel.

The lone senior this season is Emily Scherbath who will see time at outside hitter for Buhler. Scherbath is followed by two juniors in Lauryn Holland and Sophia Rose. Holland will play the RS (right side) while Rose is expected to play middle blocker. Coach Emel said she is excited to see Holland make her return to the court.

“Lauryn was injured her entire sophomore season. She used that time to encourage and push her teammates to be their best each day. Over the summer, she has done the same thing on and off the court. We are excited to have her healthy again and looking forward to the impact she makes on her teammates every day,” said coach Emel. A half-dozen sophomores make up the bulk of the lineup.

Natalya Krafels and Charlie Baxter are two middle blockers who will also play outside hitter and right side, respectively. Coach Emel said Krafels had a great offseason.

“Natalya is a sophomore who has grown tremendously over the offseason. She is a high jumping versatile player with the ability to play multiple positions. She is a three-sport athlete for Buhler High School. She brings a calm energy to the court and is always smiling. We are looking forward to her continued growth,” said coach Emel.

Braelyn East is another outside hitter/right side player while Ellie Keeton will likely be the teams defensive specialist or Libero. Setters, Breann Ruda and Sydney Lehl are also sophomores coach Emel is excited to see on the court this season.

Freshman Emerson Waldren comes in as the fresh face on the roster this season and is looking to see the court as an outside hitter.