Meet & Greet Class C-1 State Volleyball: Syracuse Rockets
#4 seed Syracuse (22-1) [player_tooltip player_id="58216" first="Jessie" last="Moss"] and [player_tooltip player_id="72136" first="Lily" last="Vollertsen"] up for the block. After coming off a 24-3 record in 2019 and a district final loss, the Rockets returned a lot of weapons in their arsenal…
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Continue Reading#4 seed Syracuse (22-1)
After coming off a 24-3 record in 2019 and a district final loss, the Rockets returned a lot of weapons in their arsenal in 2020. With five returning starters in Jessie Moss Jessie Moss 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2021 State NE (2021, 5’11, MH), Lindsey Moss Lindsey Moss 5'10" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE (2022, 5’10, MH), Kennedy Stanley Kennedy Stanley 5'5" | S Syracuse | 2022 State NE (2022, 5’4, DS), Lily Vollertsen Lily Vollertsen 6'0" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE (2022, 6’0, RS), and Halle Wilhelm Halle Wilhelm 5'8" | S Syracuse | 2021 State NE (2021, 5’8, Setter), the Rockets seamlessly added Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE (2024, 5’8, OH), Klayre Roberts Klayre Roberts 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2022 NE (2022, 5’11, OH), and Shayla Thompson (2022, 5’4, Libero). The depth on the bench includes Teja Farley (2021, 5’2, DS), Cassidy Roberts Cassidy Roberts 5'11" | RS Syracuse | 2022 NE (2022, 5’11, MH) and Kennedy Stanley Kennedy Stanley 5'5" | S Syracuse | 2022 State NE (2022, 5’6, OH). Note all the same last names as the Rockets have 3 sets of sisters on their roster. Moss’ are separated by one grade and Stanleys and Roberts are twins.
With an early-season loss, the Rockets cruised through their season until COVID hit and put a screeching halt to volleyball and canceled the last two weeks of their season. Not playing from October 5 until subdistricts on October 26, Syracuse missed out on their Nebraska Capitol Conference Tournament that they were seeded #1 and two regular-season games.
The Rockets stat categories prove the team effort with many players even across the board. With a team hitting percentage at .293, J. Moss leads Class C1 with .423. After earning her 1,000 career kill in the 5th set of districts, J. Moss leads the team at 3.5 kills/set with L. Moss ( 2.3 k/s), Vollertsen (2.2 k/s), and Cast (1.9 k/s) not far behind. Wilhelm averages 9.1 assists/set. Again, without a dominant dig leader, the Rockets are even in that category with 5 players averaging over 2.3 digs/set.
4th year Coach Courtney VanGroningen, “This Rocket team has persevered through a pandemic that left us with so many unknowns. From a lack of club play together in the spring to minimal time on the court this summer and then two weeks off at the end of the regular season, these girls had to change up their game plan numerous times and yet punched a ticket to state with a 22-1 record. With only one loss early one, we tried to push the team at practices to prepare mentally and physically for the postseason. And that paid off in the district final when we were pushed to five sets against Sidney. The team needed a match like this to learn how to stay focused or refocus and regain our composure to pull off a win.”
Last at state in 2018, the #4 seed Rockets return and face the #5 seed Columbus Lakeview (28-5) on Wednesday afternoon at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.
The competitive spirit will be high in Lincoln this week! But, really, it all comes down to these young ladies being great stewards of the sport and we appreciate them for that. Volleyball proves to be a big part of their life, but read on and you might learn a little more about these athletes. Their ever-thinking minds are amazing!
Let’s meet the team:
What were your initial thoughts after you won match point in districts?
Cassidy Roberts Cassidy Roberts 5'11" | RS Syracuse | 2022 NE – A lot of pride and happiness for our team
Kamdyn Stanley – happy
Teja Farley – a moment of relief, happiness for our team and coaches and our parents that have put their faith in us
Kennedy Stanley Kennedy Stanley 5'5" | S Syracuse | 2022 State NE – Next stop is state!!!
Lilly Windhorst – i was proud of the team
Kadyn Sisco Kadyn Sisco 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2024 State NE – We’re we’re excited and we knew if we played as a team we could do good things and go past Wednesday
Maddie Hillman – piped up
Halle Wilhelm Halle Wilhelm 5'8" | S Syracuse | 2021 State NE – We really just did that?!?
Lindsey Moss Lindsey Moss 5'10" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – i was very excited and proud that all of the work that we put in this season paid off.
Klayre Roberts Klayre Roberts 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2022 NE – I was very excited and it took a while to sink in
Shay Thompson – We did it! Everything we have done as a team has been worth it!
Lily Vollertsen Lily Vollertsen 6'0" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – We have worked so hard for this and now it has finally paid off. I love these girls so much and wouldn’t want to make it here with anyone else.
Jessie Moss Jessie Moss 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2021 State NE – excited, happy that all of our hard work paid off
Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE – After the game, I felt a little bit of relief along with a lot of excitement. It didn’t exactly hit me right away that we were going to state it just felt like another game, but then I did process that we were going to state and I could not stop smiling the whole weekend.
What is the most exciting part of state volleyball that you are looking forward to?
Cassidy Roberts Cassidy Roberts 5'11" | RS Syracuse | 2022 NE – The excitement of playing at state
Kamdyn Stanley – playing at pba
Teja Farley – getting to be on the floor of pba
Kennedy Stanley Kennedy Stanley 5'5" | S Syracuse | 2022 State NE – The atmosphere
Lilly Windhorst – Hearing all the fans cheer the team on
Kadyn Sisco Kadyn Sisco 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2024 State NE – Just the experience and the crowd cheering us on
Maddie Hillman – all of the fans and the energy
Halle Wilhelm Halle Wilhelm 5'8" | S Syracuse | 2021 State NE – Seeing the whole town come out to support us on the road to state.
Lindsey Moss Lindsey Moss 5'10" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – I’m excited to play in the state atmosphere and am excited to play some of the best competition in the state.
Klayre Roberts Klayre Roberts 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2022 NE – The support
Shay Thompson – Continuing the season with these girls.
Lily Vollertsen Lily Vollertsen 6'0" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – Just the atmosphere of playing at PBA and getting to play again with these girls.
Jessie Moss Jessie Moss 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2021 State NE – playing in the atmosphere and playing the top teams in our class
Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE – The most exciting part for me is just being able to reach my goal playing the game I love with the teammates I love.
What does your community do to support your team going to state?
Cassidy Roberts Cassidy Roberts 5'11" | RS Syracuse | 2022 NE – We have a pep rally, makes signs throughout town, and lots of texts with congratulations
Kamdyn Stanley – fire trucks lead us into town
Teja Farley – we had a fire truck tour us through town, a pep rally, made signs, come and support us at the game, provide meals
Kennedy Stanley Kennedy Stanley 5'5" | S Syracuse | 2022 State NE – We have signs put up in front of the school, escorted by fire trucks, pep rally’s
Lilly Windhorst – Makes signs for all the girls and provide us with all the support we need
Kadyn Sisco Kadyn Sisco 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2024 State NE – They cheer loud and make signs
Maddie Hillman – pep rally and signs
Halle Wilhelm Halle Wilhelm 5'8" | S Syracuse | 2021 State NE – When we got off the bus at 11:00 p.m. from the district final and an escort around town by the fire truck, an elementary-age girl found me to give me a sign that she made especially for me. So sweet! We have pep rallies at school, parents put signs along the highway, and we will have team meals. Our community support is awesome!
Lindsey Moss Lindsey Moss 5'10" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – When we came home we had fire trucks
Klayre Roberts Klayre Roberts 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2022 NE – Fire trucks and team dinner
Shay Thompson – They have given us gifts, they make signs, and they are just really loving and caring.
Lily Vollertsen Lily Vollertsen 6'0" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – Living in a small town is so great because we have pep rallies with everyone from elementary to high school, all the signs around town cheering us on and hearing good luck and congrats from almost everyone in town!!
Jessie Moss Jessie Moss 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2021 State NE – firetrucks, pep rally, coming to our games, watching and supporting us online due to covid
Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE – They drive the fire trucks around town for people to see us in the bus then they all come to the school to see us. Then they make a whole bunch of signs and it’s really kind of a big deal all over town.
With teams only allotted a certain amount of tickets, who do you want to make sure gets one of those tickets and why?
Cassidy Roberts Cassidy Roberts 5'11" | RS Syracuse | 2022 NE – My parents and brothers because they are my biggest supporter
Kamdyn Stanley – my family because they are my biggest supporters
Teja Farley – our students because they make the games hyped up and energized
Kennedy Stanley Kennedy Stanley 5'5" | S Syracuse | 2022 State NE – My grandpa because he is my biggest supporter
Lilly Windhorst – my mom, she’s my biggest supporter
Kadyn Sisco Kadyn Sisco 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2024 State NE – The student section because they cheer loud and make us play our best game
Maddie Hillman – my family because they’ve been cheering me on at all of my games since i was little
Halle Wilhelm Halle Wilhelm 5'8" | S Syracuse | 2021 State NE – My family of course, but as many students as possible because I feel they kind of get us pumped to play.
Lindsey Moss Lindsey Moss 5'10" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – my family because they are very supporting me and my sister
Klayre Roberts Klayre Roberts 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2022 NE – My family because they are my biggest supports
Shay Thompson – My dad. He has been my biggest supporter since I first stepped on the volleyball court. He has driven hours upon hours to come to support me and help me better myself and my team.
Lily Vollertsen Lily Vollertsen 6'0" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – My mom because she has never missed a game and is my biggest supporter.
Jessie Moss Jessie Moss 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2021 State NE – My family because they have supported me throughout my whole high school career
Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE – I do want to make sure most of my family gets the tickets, they support me with everything I do and they are always there and I know it’s also a big deal for them to go as well.
What is the best advice anyone has given you in volleyball? Be sure to include who gave you the advice.
Cassidy Roberts Cassidy Roberts 5'11" | RS Syracuse | 2022 NE – Mrs. Mohr always has very encouraging things that she says to help us get through tough times in practice and in games
Kamdyn Stanley – just have fun- Dean Farley
Teja Farley – “Balls to the walls” – Coach Vangronigen
Kennedy Stanley Kennedy Stanley 5'5" | S Syracuse | 2022 State NE – My dad gave me my best advice and told me not to think just play and not worry about results and just think of one thing to focus on and let the rest do itself.
Lilly Windhorst – Turn fear, into the want to win. Coach Mohr
Kadyn Sisco Kadyn Sisco 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2024 State NE – Coach Mohr- “you are good enough, if we didn’t think you were good enough you wouldn’t be over there. You and Delainey can do good things throughout your four years”
Maddie Hillman – Mrs. Mohr tells me to believe in myself and be confident.
Halle Wilhelm Halle Wilhelm 5'8" | S Syracuse | 2021 State NE – Keep it simple stupid -Dean Farley
Lindsey Moss Lindsey Moss 5'10" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – Pull your head out of your butt (cue the sign Ross on Friends makes)
Klayre Roberts Klayre Roberts 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2022 NE – Practices are going to be hard but the end result will be worth it. Coach Mohr
Shay Thompson – Coach V tells us that if you can’t bring it in one part of the game bring it somewhere else.
Lily Vollertsen Lily Vollertsen 6'0" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – When Coach V tells us to visualize being successful.
Jessie Moss Jessie Moss 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2021 State NE – always trust your training-coach Farley
Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE – Just to be confident in myself, and to just trust my training. -My coaches
Any advice you would give to young girls on how to have a great volleyball experience in high school?
Cassidy Roberts Cassidy Roberts 5'11" | RS Syracuse | 2022 NE – Give it your all and enjoy every second because it will go by in the blink of an eye
Kamdyn Stanley – some practices are going to suck but just remember it will all be worth it in the end
Teja Farley – Don’t get discouraged when things go your way. Simply just be there for your teammates through the highs and the lows, because at the end of the day they are your sisters.
Lilly Windhorst – Have fun, and give your best effort, prove to yourself that you improved.
Kadyn Sisco Kadyn Sisco 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2024 State NE – Have fun with every moment. Challenge yourself and do your best even when it gets hard. It will be worth it
Maddie Hillman – play all out and always have fun with your team
Halle Wilhelm Halle Wilhelm 5'8" | S Syracuse | 2021 State NE – Take advantage of every opportunity and put in the work because it will pay off.
Lindsey Moss Lindsey Moss 5'10" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – love every moment
Klayre Roberts Klayre Roberts 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2022 NE – Have fun and work past each other’s differences because you are all there for one reason
Shay Thompson – Play with love and fire. Show your love of the game through dedication and excitement through the hard times.
Lily Vollertsen Lily Vollertsen 6'0" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – Keep working hard, the practices might be hard mentally and physically but in the end it’s always worth it. Always try to keep a positive attitude because it helps in the long run.
Jessie Moss Jessie Moss 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2021 State NE – hard work always pays off, have fun and enjoy playing with your friends
Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE – Just to have fun and enjoy the time you have playing and enjoy the fun and bonding with your teammates.
Give us one positive comment about one player on your team. It can be the goofiest player or just someone that deserves a shoutout.
Cassidy Roberts Cassidy Roberts 5'11" | RS Syracuse | 2022 NE – Halle is always there to keep everyone up and make things fun
Kamdyn Stanley – Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE She has really stepped up as a freshman and has been a huge impact on the team.
Teja Farley – I think that Kennedy Stanley Kennedy Stanley 5'5" | S Syracuse | 2022 State NE deserves a shoutout. She is phenomenal on defense. She may not be the loudest, but you can tell that younger kids look up to her and all the hard work she is always willing to put in.
Kennedy Stanley Kennedy Stanley 5'5" | S Syracuse | 2022 State NE – Our libero always brings positive energy every day.
Lilly Windhorst – Jessie Moss Jessie Moss 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2021 State NE , she gives encouragement to everyone on the team and reminds us that it’s okay to make a mistake.
Maddie Hillman – Lindsey always makes me smile during practice and her energy always brings me up.
Halle Wilhelm Halle Wilhelm 5'8" | S Syracuse | 2021 State NE – No matter the situation Shay can always put a smile on all of our faces. She’s always so happy and peppy and I love having her as a teammate
Lindsey Moss Lindsey Moss 5'10" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – Maddie Hillman because she always makes me smile and keeps us all having fun
Klayre Roberts Klayre Roberts 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2022 NE – Kennedy Stanley Kennedy Stanley 5'5" | S Syracuse | 2022 State NE always having a positive attitude
Shay Thompson – Lily Vollertson- She is so positive and she is one of the loudest ones on the court.
Lily Vollertsen Lily Vollertsen 6'0" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – Shayla Thompson always keeps a positive attitude and continues to push others along with pushing herself at all times.
Your favorite inspirational quote or make one up and take the credit for it!
Cassidy Roberts Cassidy Roberts 5'11" | RS Syracuse | 2022 NE – Every little girl’s dream is to go to state
Kamdyn Stanley – “It’s not how big you are but how big you play” John Wooden
Teja Farley – “I’m that star up in the sky, I’m that mountain peak up high. Hey, I made it. I’m the worlds greatest” – R. Kelly
Kadyn Sisco Kadyn Sisco 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2024 State NE – “No matter how much it hurts now, someday you will look back and realize your struggles changed your life for the better.“
Maddie Hillman – “Do better” -Madison Jean Hillman
Halle Wilhelm Halle Wilhelm 5'8" | S Syracuse | 2021 State NE – Trust your training… not very inspirational we just hear it a lot.
Lindsey Moss Lindsey Moss 5'10" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – pull your head out
Klayre Roberts Klayre Roberts 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2022 NE – EIB
Shay Thompson – “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” Vince Lombardi
Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE – “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard everyone would do it. The hard…is what makes it great.” – A League of their Own
You make up the question and answer it here. Be creative!!!
Cassidy Roberts Cassidy Roberts 5'11" | RS Syracuse | 2022 NE – What is your favorite part about your team? That we have all been playing together since we were little so we have a good bond
Kamdyn Stanley – How had your season been so far? We have had an amazing season.
Teja Farley – Fun Fact: Our team has been begging our coaches all year to let us have a 2 am practice
Kadyn Sisco Kadyn Sisco 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2024 State NE – Are we going to bring it at state??! Ofc we are!
Maddie Hillman – What is your favorite part about volleyball? my team
Halle Wilhelm Halle Wilhelm 5'8" | S Syracuse | 2021 State NE – Fav memory from this year- Lindsey going up to put down an overpass but missed it and it bounced off her head and she got a kill.
Lindsey Moss Lindsey Moss 5'10" | OH Syracuse | 2022 State NE – What’s your favorite thing about your team? I love how close we are and how much we all love and trust each other
Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE – What is the best part about going to state? The best part about going to state is probably all of the support you get from the town, and just getting the experience with the team to have a great time and compete with great teams.
Shay Thompson – What is the hardest thing to keep in mind when getting down on yourself or the team? Probably to remember that we all have a specific job on the team and that we all matter. On or off the court we all have a job that needs to be done, and if someone is lacking that day, or having a bad day, someone has to step up and be a leader and fill in that spot.
GOOD LUCK AT STATE SYRACUSE ROCKETS!!