Second-year Winona State University athlete, Kenna Kornely has been dominating the volleyball court this season. The defensive specialist and outside hitter from Burlington, Wisconsin is feared by many of her opponents as she has already obtained 119 kills and 61 digs this season.
Volleyball has always been a constant in Kornely’s life, and it certainly shows.
“I’ve been playing volleyball since as early as I can remember. I grew up in a town where we took volleyball very seriously and it showed because we won many state championships and titles,” she explained. “I think being around such a competitive and passionate group growing up has helped me a lot.”
As a result of her upbringing in volleyball and the guidance of her high school coaches, to whom she owes most of her knowledge, Kornely was well prepared as she began playing volleyball at the collegiate level last year.
Like many skilled athletes, her strong mentality goes hand in hand with her playing ability on the court. Kornely knows how she wants to play and how to achieve these goals. Her mental toughness, her confidence and her resilience intertwine with her athleticism to make her the fierce competitor she is.
“I mentally prepare for the matches by visualizing. I visualize what shots I want to hit and what energy I want to bring,” Kornely stated. “I think it’s a great tool to help get ready for games and brings confidence too.”
The defensive specialist’s positive attitude has spread to her teammates and overall boosts the Warrior’s sportsmanship and drive to win. Kornely’s teammates and coaching staff all recognize her spark and the love she has for both the sport and her team.
“She really wants to win. She really shows us. We all want to win, but she shows it in a special way,” third-year setter and defensive specialist, Jaci Winchell explained. “She is a key asset in putting the ball away for us.”
Besides being a role model for her teammates, Kornely is an inspiration to the many younger volleyball players both, here, in Winona and in her hometown. Her model of gratitude and the value of appreciation teaches the young players how to truly embrace their love for the sport.
“[Some] advice I have for younger kiddos is to just keep enjoying the ride. Remember how much you love the sport, and don’t take anything for granted,” Kornely encouraged. “There’s other kids out there who can only wish that they could be playing volleyball but can’t for some reason, so don’t take that for granted and use every opportunity you have to be great.”
Kornely battled alongside her team on Sept. 28, where the Warriors fell short against the Mavericks 0-3. Although the first set was full of kills by graduate student, Sidney Paulson, and, third-year defensive specialist, Anna Hennessy, our Warriors were unable to gain much momentum and lost 18-25. The second set, once again, showed the tough competition the Warriors bring to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), with an 8-0 run. However, the players were unable to clinch the set and Minnesota State took the set 23-25. The final set, much like the first, ended with the Mavericks taking the set 18-25 and thus winning the match.
As the season continues to progress, the Warriors hope to rise to the top of the conference with the help of Kornely, the many other skilled players, and, of course, the expertise of Coach Getzin. The tough schedule he created shows how the Warriors can handle themselves and compete with any of the teams they face.
The Warriors, now with an 8-7 record and 1-3 in the NSIC conference, are ready to win their next match on Oct. 4 as they travel to Bismarck, ND to face the University of Mary Marauders.
