By: Kristy Booher Angelo, Associate Athletic Director
For More Info: booherk@gilmour.org
The preseason player rankings from PrepVolleyball.com have been released and the Gilmour Academy volleyball team has three of its players listed among the top 150 in the country according to their academic class.
Emmy Klika '21, Kathryn Randorf '22 and Laney Klika '23 each earned a spot in their respective graduation years based on their cumulative body of work leading up to this season.
Emmy Klika, a University of Pittsburgh commit, ranked No. 51 among all seniors nationwide.
Randorf, a highly sought-after recruit by many NCAA Division I programs, came in at the No. 17 spot among all juniors.
Laney Klika, already turning heads of a number of top colleges, found her place at No. 49 among all sophomores.
The elder of the Klika sisters is a game-changer according to Lancer Head Coach Danny Coughlin.
"She can change the landscape of a game with her demeanor, effort and her volleyball IQ. Emmy attracts attention from everyone who watches her play because of her style, which is unbelievably aggressive," said Coughlin. "She has an engine that doesn't quit and the mentality to never let a ball hit. She has such great ball reflexes and takes great angles to be in the best possible position to play a ball. And, she never leaves the gym - Gilmour's gym, AVC's gym, or wherever her family can find a space to play, she always wants more."
The Gilmour volleyball program always has big hitters that historically get all of the attention, but Emmy Klika's play as a libero is changing all of that and bringing notice to the back court.
"She is calm and leads with her play on the court," said Coughlin. "And the example she sets off the court is also well noticed."
"Emmy is known for taking everything," said Coughlin. "She believes in her ability to get the job done and I give her free reign to rome the deep court. She has made a huge impact since day one and has just grown and flourished wherever she has played over the past four years. She is selfless, she is team oriented, and she has a huge love of the game. She will continue to improve, and after she moves on from Gilmour to the University of Pittsburgh, I can't even imagine how much better she will become. Emmy has earned and deserves everything she gets in her future."
Another player who has earned everything through continual hard work is Randorf, who is also one of those big hitters the Lancers are known for year-after-year. Not only does she stand out as an outside hitter and middle blocker for Gilmour, but she is a force to be reckoned with playing on one of the top clubs in the nation, AVC.
"You can't overlook her size, explosiveness, court volume and her intensity. It never shuts off. She brings that explosive power that can score points when needed. She brings that court volume and intensity to every game and practice. She plays at 100 mph and that forces the rest of the team to follow her pace," said Coughlin. "Kathryn brings an energy and level of play to the Lancers that force us to play hard, play fast and play to a higher level."
According to Coughlin, Randorf has continued to mold herself into one of the best players wherever she goes, and he has no doubt that will continue at the collegiate level.
"She really does stand out on the court, which is what has led to so many colleges wanting her to be a part of their programs. She has the qualities that you can't coach. You can teach hitting, blocking, passing, but you can't teach drive, volume, heart and intensity. Kathryn has had those qualities from the beginning and they are infectious."
The youngest Lancer to receive a national ranking is defensive specialist Laney Klika, who Coughlin believes has already set herself apart from her older sister.
"She is quietly creating her own style of play. She has a great platform, she moves extremely well to the ball and also takes great angles to secure the pass or dig. She's another one of the Gilmour kids that won't get off the court. Laney takes rep after rep after rep to perfect her craft. Laney has fought to be her own player, and she is going to be a great one. Laney has another gear and we will see it here soon enough and I can't wait," said Coughlin.
When asked what Laney Klika brings to the program, Coughlin was able to sum it up in just one word – fire.
He then went on to explain, "Laney is fiery, she is fierce, and she is fearless. Laney will battle with the best and stand her ground. These are qualities that will add to the high-level skill that she has. I feel she has that sibling chip on her shoulder from playing next to her sister at Gilmour for the past several years. Laney is a tough, tough kid with unbelievable volleyball skill and knowledge. These types of kids don't come around often," said Coughlin.
"I'm excited for Laney and what her future holds. She has matured over this past year and I can't wait to see what she does for us this season. I can tell you for certain, this kid will not stop working. She will be sticking her face in every play to stay engaged and involved and I can see her starting to push back on her sister. I think Laney will be confident enough to start pushing her sister, and as a Coach that is great, we can always be better," said Coughlin.
The Lancers are currently scheduled to open the season at home against Villa-Angela St. Joseph High School on August 25.
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